On Appreciation of American Humor

Abstract

American humor is a mirror that reflects American culture to a certain extent. To help enhance readers’ understanding, corresponding methods are introduced as shown in the detailed analysis of writing skills and characteristics that involve pun, anticlimax, incongruous juxtaposition, comic simile and comic metaphor, comic definition, trick, understatement, antithesis, irony, malapropism, hyperbole. As for appreciation of American humor, three aspects discussed are appropriate psychological distance, perceiving incongruity, and commanding reading rhythm.