body gesture such as pantomime, parody, etc. The spoken humor require accent and facial expression, while written humor requires funny words, written
expression, utterances, and dialogue. In conclusion the form of humor is the general pattern of the humorous expression.
Based on the description above, the writer found 7 forms of humor in Nick Zagone’s play Ohio. They are Wit, Satire, Sarcasm, Repartee, Irony, Burlesque,
and Mimicry.
4.2.1 Repartee
Repartee is the wit of the quick answer and capping comment: the snappy comeback and neat retort. The repartee in the play is shown in:
BRAD : “Nothing would probably do for you anyway would it?”
JANICE : “I dont know. [Small beat.] I havent seen your bowers.”
Datum 57
Here in “I havent seen your bowers.” Is best describe as repartee because is a snappy answer to brad’s question. The Janice’s answer has an effect to
provoke laughter because it has possible ambiguity.
4.2.2 Sarcasm
Sarcasm is a form of speech or writing which is bitter or cutting, being intended to taunt its target. It is proverbially said to be the lowest form of wit and being
associated with the use of irony. Sarcasm can be found in: BRAD : “Thats right. Monkeys copulating in trees. That could very well
be how our species first began. Its like we are looking back at history. [Addressing ZACH] They are, in a sense, our ancestors.”
ZACH : “Maybe your ancestors.” Datum 2
In the quotation “Maybe your ancestors” above, Zach intend to mock Brad because Brad is an Afro-American or Niger. At the one hand it is a hostile
comment which can cause unpleasant feeling but it is being delivered in such a brilliant way that it can be funny as well.
BART : [sniffs out a laugh, getting close to her] “You sure? Thats a tough smoke.”
CAT : “I was smoking Camel filterless before you were born.”
Datum 15
In datum 15, Sarcasm appears when Cat says that she was smoking Camel fetterless before Bart was born. It is intended to mock Bart’s age. This kind of
humor is unpleasant to whom it‘s being intended to. But it is very hilarious to someone else whom heard, or read it.
4.2.3 Mimicry
Mimicry is a form of humorous expression which imitates another person’s habit, gestures, or speech for comic effect. Mimicry occurs in Ohio as it occurs in;
BART : [Cutting in] “Dont get too excited coach. I did a chick in a tree once and let me tell ya, it gets tiring. You ever done a chick in a
tree? You realize why we walk on the ground after that shit. [Pointing at TV] I probably looked like that monkey there-- go
baby [Thrusting his pelvis.] Hummana, hummana, hummana…” Datum 3
In this datum, Bart is imitating having sex in the three. This act is so hilarious because he also adds body gesture and sound such as Hummana,
hummana, hummana. BART : “Hello? Yes this is he. Yes Marlene I remember you. How are you
doing? A proposition? A new business? Well I dont know if I can make it Marlene. Why? Well, you see…” [He winks to the
audience and pantomimes masturbation.] Datum 9
Datum 9 explains Bart’s silly behavior. Here, Bart imitates masturbation. The act of masturbation is so hilarious because it contains body gesture and also
facial expression.
MARLENE : “I cant remember what Phis are but Im sure theyre dicks. The point is that this is a Chi Delt party and Chi Delts have the coolest
parties ever Whohoo” JANICE :
[Trying hard] “ Whohoo” Datum 29
The word “Whohoo” in datum 29 is actually an ordinary word. The hilarious side of this dialogue is that Janice was trying hard to imitate Marlene’s
“Whohoo.” And that imitation creates humor.
4.2.4 Irony
