So far in my reading of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, the most humorous aspect has been the utter absurdity of Algernon. My favorite line comes from pg. 4, when Algernon says to Jack, "Please don't touch the cucumber sandwiches. They are ordered specially Aunt Augusta (Takes one and eats it.)". This statement by Algernon so it clearly hypocitical and stupid, which makes it all the more funny to read. You wouldn't expect such stupidity to come from someone so high up in British social structure. That's where the humor in Wilde's work is achieved, in which he inserts absurdity in a place where we as the audience wouldn't expect it.
For our generation, the most popular and identifiable form of humor has to be the hit TV series, Spongebob Squarepants. Spongebob is clearly known for being ridiculously stupid and entertaining. The adventures of Spongebob and his nonsensical friend Patrick Star have created a new subculture in which popular sayings from the series are often used even out of context.
Here's a link to some of my favorites: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/characterquotes/quotes.php?id=52&s=40&np=3
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