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Revision as of 04:44, 1 December 2021 by 188.192.228.218 (talk) (→Etymology)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Conversational literary device Not to be confused with formal fallacy.A non sequitur (English: /nɒn ˈsɛkwɪtər/ non SEK-wit-ər, Latin pronunciation: [noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr]; "it does not follow") is a conversational literary device, often used for comedic purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it, 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.
Etymology
The expression is Latin for "it does not follow". It comes from the words non meaning "not" and sequi meaning "to follow".
Usage
A non sequitur can denote an abrupt, illogical, or unexpected turn in plot or dialogue by including a relatively inappropriate change in manner. A non sequitur joke sincerely has no explanation, but it reflects the idiosyncrasies, mental frames and alternative world of the particular comic persona.
Comic artist Gary Larson's The Far Side cartoons are known for what Larson calls "...absurd, almost non sequitur animal" characters, such as talking cows, which he uses to create a "...weird, zany, ...bizarre, odd, strange" effect; in one strip, "two cows in a field gaze toward burning Chicago, saying 'It seems that agent 6373 had accomplished her mission.'"
See also
- Anacoluthon
- Anti-humor
- Dada
- Derailment (thought disorder)
- "Good day, fellow!" "Axe handle!"
- Gibberish
- Roger Irrelevant
- Surreal humour
More readings
- The Koan: Texts and Contexts in Zen Buddhism. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2000.
- Shabo, Magedah. Rhetoric, Logic, and Argumentation: A Guide for Student Writers. United States, Prestwick House, 2010.
- Keywords for Disability Studies. United Kingdom, NYU Press, 2015.
References
- The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. Oxford University Press, 2009.
- "Non Sequitur - Examples and Definition of Non Sequitur". Literary Devices. 2014-01-02. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
- Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur Archived 2012-02-18 at the Wayback Machine
- "Definition of NON SEQUITUR". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
- Chambers, Robert (2010). Parody: The Art that Plays with Art. Peter Lang Publishers. p. 75. ISBN 978-1433108693. Retrieved 2014-09-17.
Along with a rhythmic pattern, these jokes, however absurd they may be, build dual frames of reference, if not alternative worlds entirely reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the individual stand-up artist.
- Harrington, Richard (16 June 1983). "The Bizarre Side". Washington Post. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
External links
- 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"