Non sequitur (absurdism)
Encyclopedia
A non sequitur is a conversational and literary device
, often used for comedic purposes. It is a comment that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what it follows, seems absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing.
This use of the term is distinct from the non sequitur in logic
, where it is a fallacy.
for "it does not follow." It comes from the words "non" meaning not, and the deponent
verb sequor, sequi, secutus sum, meaning to follow.
The non sequitur can be understood as the converse of cliché
. Traditional comedy and drama can depend on the ritualization and predictability of human emotional experiences, where the Theatre of the Absurd
uses disjunction and unpredictability. The use of non sequitur in humor can be deliberate or unintentional.
Literary technique
A literary technique is any element or the entirety of elements a writer intentionally uses in the structure of their work...
, often used for comedic purposes. It is a comment that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what it follows, seems absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing.
This use of the term is distinct from the non sequitur in logic
Non sequitur (logic)
Non sequitur , in formal logic, is an argument in which its conclusion does not follow from its premises. In a non sequitur, the conclusion could be either true or false, but the argument is fallacious because there is a disconnection between the premise and the conclusion. All formal fallacies...
, where it is a fallacy.
Etymology
Literally, the expression is LatinLatin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
for "it does not follow." It comes from the words "non" meaning not, and the deponent
Deponent verb
In linguistics, a deponent verb is a verb that is active in meaning but takes its form from a different voice, most commonly the middle or passive. A deponent verb doesn't have active forms; it can be said to have deposited them .-Greek:...
verb sequor, sequi, secutus sum, meaning to follow.
Explanation
A non sequitur can denote an abrupt, illogical, unexpected or absurd turn of plot or dialogue not normally associated with or appropriate to that preceding it. A non sequitur joke has no explanation, but it reflects the idiosyncrasies, mental frames and alternative world of the particular comic persona.The non sequitur can be understood as the converse of cliché
Cliché
A cliché or cliche is an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel. In phraseology, the term has taken on a more technical meaning,...
. Traditional comedy and drama can depend on the ritualization and predictability of human emotional experiences, where the Theatre of the Absurd
Theatre of the Absurd
The Theatre of the Absurd is a designation for particular plays of absurdist fiction, written by a number of primarily European playwrights in the late 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, as well as to the style of theatre which has evolved from their work...
uses disjunction and unpredictability. The use of non sequitur in humor can be deliberate or unintentional.
See also
- AbsurdismAbsurdismIn philosophy, "The Absurd" refers to the conflict between the human tendency to seek value and meaning in life and the human inability to find any...
- Antihumour
- Dadaism
- GibberishGibberishGibberish is a generic term in English for talking that sounds like speech, but carries no actual meaning. This meaning has also been extended to meaningless text or gobbledygook. The common theme in gibberish statements is a lack of literal sense, which can be described as a presence of nonsense...
- RandomnessRandomnessRandomness has somewhat differing meanings as used in various fields. It also has common meanings which are connected to the notion of predictability of events....
- Surreal humourSurreal humourSurreal humour is a form of humour based on violations of causal reasoning with events and behaviours that are logically incongruent. Constructions of surreal humour involve bizarre juxtapositions, non-sequiturs, irrational situations, and/or expressions of nonsense.The humour arises from a...
- Derailment (thought disorder)Derailment (thought disorder)In psychiatry, derailment refers to a pattern of discourse that is a sequence of unrelated or only remotely related ideas. The frame of reference often changes from one sentence to the next...
External links
- The Comprehension of Humorous Materials by Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome - "Non sequitur endings or incorrect endings that are unrelated to the content of the joke were preferred by adults with high-functioning autism"
- Getting it: human event-related brain response to jokes in good and poor comprehenders - "When asked to pick the punch-line of a joke from an array of choices, including straightforward endings, non-sequitur endings, and the correct punch-line, RHD patients erred by picking non-sequitur endings, indicating that they know surprise is necessary"