The Social Individual: Social Criticism in the Writings of James Thurber

Author

Arthur M. Kompass

Publication Date

5-25-1959

Abstract

It may seem unfitting to base a polemical thesis on the writings of a humorist. Most of us read humor solely for entertainment, when we are tired of quidities and want escape from problems. We look to other forms of writing for social and philosophical critiques. Moreover, we are often reluctant to account the teller of funny stories a reliable source for information about reality. Serious writers carry with them a background of straight forward facts. They furnish their own documentation. But, a humorist, though he often finds the concrete detail the best building stone for his humor, frequently seems to distort the ordinary of the serious just so that he can make it funny, and we are left feeling that though the laugh may have justified the distortion, after all, the thing wasn't funny when you considered it realistically.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Unknown

Second Committee Member

Cecil Vivian Wicker

Third Committee Member

Norton Barr Crowell

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Recommended Citation

Kompass, Arthur M.. "The Social Individual: Social Criticism in the Writings of James Thurber." (1959). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/engl_etds/147