The primary purpose of comedy is to make people laugh—this is the simplest definition. While satire can also elicit laughter, it does so in a more serious manner, contrasting with the free and uncontrollable laughter that comedy provokes. According to the dictionary, satire employs humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize human folly and vices, particularly in contemporary issues. In essence, satire is laughter wrapped in irony.
Humor, irony, sarcasm, and wit are nearly synonymous and can all generate laughter, depending on the context. Comedy, however, is an art form primarily designed to amuse and entertain. Laughter is a key ingredient of comedy; if a piece doesn’t make you laugh, it veers towards tragedy or farce—a mockery of sorts. Comedy stands in stark contrast to tragedy, and it seems easier to create comic heroes than tragic ones.
These days, it appears that everyone is trying their hand at comedy, including both genuine talents and those who force their performances. Mimicking satire or embodying a comedian’s persona can be quite challenging. It may actually be easier to take on a tragic role in real life or on stage than to attempt satire or humor during difficult times. While it’s often said that tragic times produce laughter, it seems the opposite may hold true in our era.
Nonetheless, it’s beneficial to find joy and laughter, especially when times are tough. The question arises: what does it take to be a comedian? A comedian’s job is to make people laugh, yet there are also individuals who can evoke laughter without being classified as comedians. Typically, comedians create humor for its own sake or to convey a serious message. History has shown us both amusing comedians who ultimately bore us and those who elicit smiles or laughter with purpose.
Who was the funniest movie actor in cinema history? Most would likely agree that it was Charlie Chaplin. He remains a legend, continuing to evoke laughter decades after his passing. This is what it means to be classic—enduring and timeless. If you were to watch Chaplin’s silent films a hundred years from now, I believe you would still find them just as amusing as today.
Like any classical art, satire matures and gains power over time. It seems to grow while audiences continue to laugh. Of course, the central themes of Chaplin’s films are not solely about humor. While the form may be satire, the essence often conveys deeper meanings. Take Chaplin’s Modern Times, for example, which explores industrialization and its impact on society, particularly the working class.
Chaplin’s artistry lies in presenting serious themes through satirical lenses. During the McCarthy anti-communist era, he was often labeled a communist, as many artists envied his talent and sought to see him fall.
Chaplin’s appeal stems not only from his themes but also from his performances. Who else could portray such an enduring satirical character as “The Tramp,” also known as “The Little Tramp”? This iconic figure is a mischievous, bumbling, and generally good-hearted vagrant—an enduring character that remains memorable long after the author has left the stage.
Who was the funniest writer in world literature? Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, penned his comedic masterpiece 400 years ago. The humor in Don Quixote arises from the stark contrast between the protagonist’s delusional world and the harsh realities of 17th-century Spain. Don Quixote’s misinterpretations and absurd adventures contribute significantly to the novel’s comedic effect.
Many sayings emphasize that laughter and fun are the spices of life. Have you ever considered what life would be like without them? Without laughter, life could resemble Dante’s Inferno, an epic poem depicting a fictional journey through hells may be the only creatures that laugh consciously. While many animals exhibit laughter-like behaviors, they lack the depth and meaning of human laughter. It seems as though God anticipated the sadness inherent in human life and invented laughter as a means to alleviate those burdens.
A life devoid of laughter would resemble a perpetual state of immobility and chronic depression. The absence of laughter could lead to physiological and psychological consequences, rendering our expressions inert. Without the joy that laughter or a broad smile brings, we might resemble lifeless beings rather than vibrant humans. Laughter not only enhances our attractiveness but also has profound psychological and physiological implications. When we are happy, we feel healthier. Conversely, sadness—essentially the absence of happiness—can negatively affect our minds, leading to depression. No substitute, be it drugs or alcohol, can replicate the joy that laughter provides.
The ability to see the humorous side of life is not merely a God-given gift; it can also be a cultivated habit. Some individuals focus on life’s depressing aspects, while others highlight the brighter side, boosting our energy and well-being. Many natural-born satirists bring us laughter without any formal training—these individuals light up our darkest days.
Sadly, some of the funniest people, who have built successful careers around their talents and received public acclaim, may lead the saddest private lives. I’ve read that Charlie Chaplin often felt unhappy in his personal life. Professional comedians who make us laugh might appear quite different offstage. Naturally, one cannot maintain laughter every moment; that would be physically impossible and unsustainable. Like the best things in life, laughter is best appreciated in moderation.
Turning to non-professional comedians, we find many naturally talented individuals who can effortlessly draw laughter from an audience. These individuals often become popular within a month, earning accolades and sharing their talents online. This exemplifies how technology can promote talent. Their success is both inspiring and commanding, attracting thousands of followers.
I’ve observed an increasing number of naturally gifted comedians, a positive trend that suggests difficult times can produce much-needed humor to make our days more bearable. However, not all of them succeed equally in making us laugh. Often, the tragic elements of life overshadow attempts at humor.
Once they demonstrate their ability to elicit laughter, some self-made comedians may neglect to refine their skills. With success comes money, which can be both a corrupter and a helper. More successful comedians may find jobs in theaters or film but can quickly fade into obscurity. The smarter ones create new entertainment options, branding themselves as stand-up comedians and performing at various venues. Anything that brings us laughter or helps us escape our existential struggles is a welcome diversion from the often grim realities of life today.
BY MULUGHETA GUDETA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 28 JUNE 2025
