TIH 617: Jasper Bark on Dark Comedy, Horror Comedy, and The Origins of Gallows Humour

In 'Wild at Heart,' John Eldredge argues that men have been conditioned away from their natural instincts and desires for adventure, battle, and exploration. He posits that men need to reclaim their hearts and live from a place of deep passion and purpose. The book critiques modern societal expectations and offers a vision of masculinity that is rooted in biblical principles but also acknowledges the need for men to engage in meaningful struggles and adventures. However, the book has faced criticism for its handling of Scripture and its portrayal of biblical themes[5][6].

In 'Mother for Dinner', Shalom Auslander delves into themes of legacy, assimilation, and the burdens of tradition. The story follows Seventh Seltzer, who must navigate his family's cannibalistic traditions after his mother's death. The novel is a humorous yet profound exploration of identity and cultural identity in America.

Published in 1967, 'Rosemary's Baby' is a classic horror novel by Ira Levin. The story revolves around Rosemary Woodhouse and her husband Guy, who move into the historic and eerie Bramford apartment building in New York City. As Rosemary becomes pregnant, she begins to suspect that her neighbors, the Castevets, and her husband are involved in a Satanic cult that intends to use her baby for sinister purposes. The novel builds tension through Rosemary's growing paranoia and her desperate attempts to uncover the truth, culminating in a chilling revelation about her child's true nature. The book is praised for its masterful blend of psychological suspense and horror, setting the stage for the modern horror genre[2][4][5].

In 'Running with Scissors', Augusten Burroughs recounts his tumultuous childhood. After his parents' divorce, Burroughs was sent to live with his mother's psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, and his eccentric family in a rundown Victorian house in Northampton, Massachusetts. The book describes a chaotic and rule-less environment where children were left to fend for themselves, engaging in various forms of self-destructive behavior. Burroughs' narrative includes his mother's mental health issues, his own early realization of his homosexuality, and a complex relationship with Dr. Finch's adopted son, Neil Bookman. Despite the dark themes, the book is written with a mix of humor and black comedy, reflecting Burroughs' unique perspective on his extraordinary circumstances.

A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel that tells the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, an overweight, unemployed, and intellectually arrogant man living with his mother in New Orleans. The novel is a rich satire that critiques modern society through Ignatius's interactions with a diverse cast of characters, including his mother Irene, his girlfriend Myrna Minkoff, and various eccentric figures from New Orleans. Written in the early 1960s while Toole was in the army, the book was published posthumously in 1980 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981. It is celebrated for its witty and absurd portrayal of life in New Orleans and its memorable protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly.