Andrew Sean Greer Explores the Art of the Comic Novel

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrew Sean Greer has explored the art of writing humor, particularly within the context of the comic novel. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic prompted lockdowns, Greer, like many others, initially turned to the reliable narratives of Agatha Christie for comfort. However, as the need for prolonged isolation became apparent, his reading preferences shifted towards a different genre: the comic novel. Greer acknowledges the difficulty in defining what constitutes a comic novel, likening the attempt to dissecting a frog, which results in a loss of its essence. He notes that while P.G. Wodehouse is widely recognized for writing comic novels, he personally finds humor in works not typically classified as such, citing Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" as an example. Greer's definition of a comic novel aligns with Jerry Seinfeld's concept of comedy: books that "decide" something is funny. He points to specific instances in "Moby-Dick," such as a coin nailed to a masthead, and in Vladimir Nabokov's "Pale Fire," the "worst best poem you've ever read," as examples of this deliberate comedic choice. Greer argues that these comic novels, despite their humor, aim for the same profound understanding of the human condition as more solemn narratives, touching upon themes of grief, love, and death. He posits that the comic novels he cherishes are those that could just as easily have been tragedies, with the author's deliberate choice of tone making them humorous. Greer's reflections are part of a broader discussion on the joy of funny writing, suggesting that humor can be a powerful tool for engaging with life's most significant aspects. The article implies that the appeal of comic novels lies not just in their ability to elicit laughter, but in their capacity to offer unique perspectives on universal human experiences, making them as relevant and impactful as their tragic counterparts. The exploration delves into the subjective nature of humor in literature, emphasizing the author's intent and the reader's reception in shaping the comedic impact of a novel. Greer's perspective suggests that the most effective comic novels are those that seamlessly blend humor with deep thematic exploration, creating a rich and resonant reading experience that can offer both levity and profound insight.