The Comic Sensibility in American Culture 1895-1920: Unveiling the Laughter of a Bygone Era

When we think of American culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, images of industrialization, immigration waves, and social progress often come to mind. However, what is often overlooked is the significant role that comedy played in shaping and reflecting the society of the time. From vaudeville shows to early silent cinema, the comic sensibility of this era captured the hearts and minds of Americans, providing a respite from the challenges of the modern world.

The Birth of the Comic Sensibility

The years between 1895 and 1920 witnessed a series of profound changes in American society. The growing urbanization, the rise of consumer culture, and the rapid technological advancements created a unique environment where entertainment became a vital component of everyday life. This era saw the birth of a national popular culture, and comic performances played a pivotal role in shaping this cultural landscape.

Vaudeville, a form of variety entertainment featuring a series of unrelated acts, became immensely popular during this time. Comedians such as Fanny Brice and Eddie Cantor charmed audiences with their wit, physical comedy, and clever wordplay. Vaudeville theaters became a hub for social gatherings, where people from all walks of life could come together and experience the joy of laughter.

How the Other Half Laughs: The Comic Sensibility in American Culture, 1895-1920

by Michelle Williams (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21969 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	194 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Simultaneously, early silent films were emerging as a powerful form of entertainment. Legendary comedians like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd used their physical prowess and creative storytelling to capture the imagination of audiences. These silent comedies, with their slapstick humor and universal themes, resonated with viewers of all backgrounds and transcended language barriers.

The Comic Sensibility as a Mirror of Society

What made the comic sensibility of this era so captivating was its ability to mirror the social and cultural realities of the time. Satirical content and comedic routines allowed audiences to laugh at themselves, providing a unique vantage point from which to examine the triumphs and struggles of society.

One prominent example of this reflective humor was the emergence of ethnic humor. With the large influx of immigrants from Europe and Asia, comedians found rich material in the cultural clashes and stereotypes that prevailed. Whether it was Jewish, Irish, or Italian caricatures, these comedic portrayals allowed audiences to confront their prejudices and foster a broader understanding of different cultures.

Furthermore, the comic sensibility often challenged traditional gender roles and societal norms. Female performers like Gracie Allen and Mae West pushed boundaries with their witty and subversive humor, paving the way for future generations of female comedians. Their comedic routines often satirized the expectations placed on women at the time, highlighting the absurdity of gender inequalities.

Comedy also provided a means to navigate the anxieties and uncertainties of the modern world. As the United States underwent rapid industrialization and faced the challenges of urbanization, laughter became a coping mechanism for individuals seeking refuge from the daily grind. Comedic performances allowed audiences to temporarily escape their troubles and find solace in the shared experience of laughter.

The Legacy of the Comic Sensibility

While the specific comedic styles and performers may have changed over time, the impact of the comic sensibility during 1895-1920 continues to resonate in American culture. The tradition of comedy as a vehicle for social commentary and cultural critique persists, with stand-up comedians, sitcoms, and late-night talk shows tackling contemporary issues in humorous and thought-provoking ways.

Additionally, the technological advancements of the early 20th century laid the foundation for the vibrant world of visual comedy that we enjoy today. The art of physical comedy, pioneered by the likes of Chaplin and Keaton, evolved into the slapstick, prop-driven humor prevalent in modern films and television. The silent film era paved the way for the advent of sound, allowing comedy to embrace verbal humor and wordplay.

The comic sensibility of 1895-1920 succeeded in not only providing laughter but also serving as a mirror to society. It reflected the hopes, fears, and idiosyncrasies of the American people and continues to remind us of the transformative power of comedy. As we embark on the journey of exploring contemporary humor, let us not forget the laughter that echoed through American culture during this remarkable era.

How the Other Half Laughs: The Comic Sensibility in American Culture, 1895-1920

by Michelle Williams (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21969 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	194 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Honorable Mention Recipient for the Charles Hatfield Book Prize

Taking up the role of laughter in society, How the Other Half Laughs:The Comic Sensibility in American Culture, 1895–1920 examines an era in which the US population was becoming increasingly multiethnic and multiracial. Comic artists and writers, hoping to create works that would appeal to a diverse audience, had to formulate a method for making the “other half” laugh. In magazine fiction, vaudeville, and the comic strip, the oppressive conditions of the poor and the marginalized were portrayed unflinchingly, yet with a distinctly comic sensibility that grew out of caricature and ethnic humor.

Author Jean Lee Cole analyzes Progressive Era popular culture, providing a critical angle to approach visual and literary humor about ethnicity—how avenues of comedy serve as expressions of solidarity, commiseration, and empowerment. Cole’s argument centers on the comic sensibility, which she defines as a performative act that fosters feelings of solidarity and community among the marginalized.

Cole stresses the connections between the worlds of art, journalism, and literature and the people who produced them—including George Herriman, R. F. Outcault, Rudolph Dirks, Jimmy Swinnerton, George Luks, and William Glackens—and traces the form’s emergence in the pages of Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World and William Randolph Hearst’s Journal-American and how it influenced popular fiction, illustration, and art. How the Other Half Laughs restores the newspaper comic strip to its rightful place as a transformative element of American culture at the turn into the twentieth century.