Stand-up comedy represents a unique performative genre that blends humor, personal storytelling, and social critique. Unlike traditional theater, stand-up heavily relies on the comedian’s individual voice, creating a direct interaction with the audience through improvisation, comedic timing, and the immediate reaction of spectators. Over the past few decades, American stand-up comedy has evolved into a powerful narrative tool capable of shaping cultural discourse and reflecting social transformations (Quirk 2018).
The origins of stand-up comedy can be traced back to cabaret and vaudeville, but the genre took on a more defined form in the 1950s and 1960s with comedians such as Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, and George Carlin, who used the stage to challenge social and political taboos. With the evolution of television and the emergence of comedy clubs, stand-up became one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the United States. The advent of digital platforms, such as YouTube, Netflix, and social media, has further expanded the reach of stand-up, allowing comedians to connect with audiences worldwide and redefining how comedy is consumed.
Today, American stand-up comedy is characterized by its stylistic and thematic diversity. Some comedians adopt a more traditional narrative approach, constructing monologues that follow a well-defined structure, while others favor a more spontaneous style based on audience interaction. The topics addressed range from personal experiences and cultural identity to political and social satire, offering a critical lens through which to observe contemporary society (Double 2014).
In the context of stand-up comedy, the comedian takes on the role of a narrator, not only for their ability to tell stories but also for the interactive and immediate way in which this storytelling unfolds. The narrative structure of stand-up comedy differs from that of traditional literary or theatrical storytelling: the plot does not follow a rigid linearity but is constructed through a series of observations, anecdotes, and reflections that intertwine in a non-conventional format. This temporal discontinuity and fast-paced rhythm, which characterize stand-up performances, reflect the comedic structure, where each segment of the act builds tension that is ultimately "released" through the punchline or comedic resolution.
In this sense, stand-up comedy functions as a process of autobiographical narration, in which the performer, while drawing from personal reality, reshapes it through the lens of comedy. This reworking is not limited to simple irony but often highlights contradictions, inconsistencies, and vulnerabilities that belong both to the individual and to society.
Thus, stand-up comedy represents a hybrid between narration and performance, where storytelling is not only a vehicle for content but also a means through which the comedian explores and redefines their identity, often in relation to the observation of social and cultural practices. The performative aspect further emphasizes the rhythmic and temporal dimensions of narration, employing pauses, accelerations, and tonal shifts that not only enhance the comedic impact but also strengthen the connection between the narrator and the audience, creating a shared experience.
This project aims to offer a multidisciplinary investigation of stand-up comedy as a form of storytelling that constructs, shapes, and challenges contemporary discourses. By combining perspectives from linguistics, cultural studies, and social analysis, this research explores how stand-up comedy functions as both a narrative art form and a site of discourse negotiation. The language of stand-up is not merely a vehicle for humor but also a tool for social commentary, allowing comedians to navigate complex issues such as identity, power structures, and cultural contradictions.
From a linguistic perspective, stand-up showcases the strategic use of wordplay, timing, and audience engagement, all of which contribute to the effectiveness of comedic delivery. The structure of stand-up performances, often fragmented and interactive, challenges traditional notions of cohesion and coherence in storytelling, requiring a dynamic relationship between speaker and audience.
From a cultural standpoint, stand-up operates as a mirror of society, reflecting dominant ideologies while also offering alternative narratives that challenge mainstream discourses. Comedians often subvert expectations, using humor to expose inconsistencies in social norms, making the art form an essential space for cultural critique and identity negotiation.
On a social level, stand-up comedy has the power to shape public discourse by making difficult or controversial topics more accessible through humor. Whether addressing race, gender, class, or politics, comedians function as both entertainers and commentators, providing audiences with new ways of interpreting the world around them. By integrating these different analytical lenses, this project positions stand-up comedy as a complex and evolving narrative form—one that is deeply embedded in contemporary discourse and capable of both reinforcing and challenging the cultural status quo. Understanding stand-up through this multidisciplinary framework not only enriches our appreciation of its artistic and performative dimensions but also highlights its broader cultural and social significance.
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