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{{short description|Conversational literary device}} |
{{short description|Conversational literary device}} |
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{{Distinguish|formal fallacy}} |
{{Distinguish|text=a ''non sequitur'' in the sense of a [[formal fallacy]]}} |
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{{italic title}} |
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A '''non sequitur''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|n|ɒ|n|_|ˈ|s|ɛ|k|w|ᵻ|t|ər}} {{respell|non|_|SEK|wit|ər}}, {{IPA |
A '''''non sequitur''''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|n|ɒ|n|_|ˈ|s|ɛ|k|w|ᵻ|t|ər}} {{respell|non|_|SEK|wit|ər}}, {{IPA|la-x-classic|noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr|lang|link=yes}}; "[it] does not follow") is a conversational [[List of narrative techniques|literary device]], often used for [[Comedy|comedic]] purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it,<ref>''The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English''. Oxford University Press, 2009.</ref> seems [[Absurdity|absurd]] to the point of being [[humor]]ous or confusing. This use of the term is distinct from the ''[[Formal fallacy|non sequitur]]'' in logic, where it is a [[fallacy]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-01-02|title=Non Sequitur - Examples and Definition of Non Sequitur|url=https://literarydevices.net/non-sequitur/|access-date=2021-08-31|website=Literary Devices|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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The expression is [[Latin]] for "it does not follow".<ref>Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218101007/http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur |date=2012-02-18 }}</ref> It comes from the words ''non'' meaning "not" and ''sequi'' meaning " |
The expression is [[Latin]] for "[it] does not follow".<ref>Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218101007/http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur |date=2012-02-18 }}</ref> It comes from the words ''non'' meaning "not" and the verb ''sequi'' meaning "to follow".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definition of NON SEQUITUR|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non+sequitur|access-date=2021-08-31|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en}}</ref> |
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==Usage== |
==Usage== |
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A non sequitur can denote an abrupt, illogical, or unexpected turn in plot or dialogue by including a relatively inappropriate change in manner. A non sequitur joke sincerely has no explanation, but it reflects the idiosyncrasies, mental frames and alternative world of the particular comic [[persona]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chambers |first1=Robert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ThJJP4b21DwC&pg=PA75 |title=Parody: The Art that Plays with Art |publisher=Peter Lang Publishers |year=2010 |page=75 |isbn= 978-1433108693 |access-date=2014-09-17 |quote=Along with a rhythmic pattern, these jokes, however absurd they may be, build dual frames of reference, if not alternative worlds entirely reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the individual stand-up artist. }}</ref> |
A ''non sequitur'' can denote an abrupt, illogical, or unexpected turn in plot or dialogue by including a relatively inappropriate change in manner. A ''non sequitur'' joke sincerely has no explanation, but it reflects the idiosyncrasies, mental frames and alternative world of the particular comic [[persona]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chambers |first1=Robert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ThJJP4b21DwC&pg=PA75 |title=Parody: The Art that Plays with Art |publisher=Peter Lang Publishers |year=2010 |page=75 |isbn= 978-1433108693 |access-date=2014-09-17 |quote=Along with a rhythmic pattern, these jokes, however absurd they may be, build dual frames of reference, if not alternative worlds entirely reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the individual stand-up artist. }}</ref> |
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Comic artist [[Gary Larson]]'s ''[[The Far Side]]'' cartoons are known for what Larson calls " |
Comic artist [[Gary Larson]]'s ''[[The Far Side]]'' cartoons are known for what Larson calls "absurd, almost non sequitur animal" characters, such as talking cows, to create a bizarre effect. He gives the example of a strip where "two cows in a field gaze toward burning Chicago, saying 'It seems that agent 6373 had accomplished her mission.'"<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1983/06/16/the-bizarre-side/ba464ceb-355f-4c9b-8f8d-d1b51c8f9f19/ |title=The Bizarre Side |last= Harrington|first= Richard|date=16 June 1983 |newspaper= Washington Post|access-date=12 August 2020 }}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[List of Viz comic strips#P–S|Roger Irrelevant]] |
* [[List of Viz comic strips#P–S|Roger Irrelevant]] |
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* [[Surreal humour]] |
* [[Surreal humour]] |
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== More readings == |
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* Keywords for Disability Studies. United Kingdom, NYU Press, 2015. |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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== Further reading == |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Non sequitur}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Non sequitur}} |
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[[Category:Humour]] |
[[Category:Humour]] |
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[[Category:Latin literary phrases]] |
[[Category:Latin literary phrases]] |
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[[Category:Narratology]] |
[[Category:Narratology]] |
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Latest revision as of 12:05, 22 August 2024
A non sequitur (English: /nɒn ˈsɛkwɪtər/ non SEK-wit-ər, Classical Latin: [noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr]; "[it] does not follow") is a conversational literary device, often used for comedic purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it,[1] seems absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing. This use of the term is distinct from the non sequitur in logic, where it is a fallacy.[2]
Etymology
[edit]The expression is Latin for "[it] does not follow".[3] It comes from the words non meaning "not" and the verb sequi meaning "to follow".[4]
Usage
[edit]A non sequitur can denote an abrupt, illogical, or unexpected turn in plot or dialogue by including a relatively inappropriate change in manner. A non sequitur joke sincerely has no explanation, but it reflects the idiosyncrasies, mental frames and alternative world of the particular comic persona.[5]
Comic artist Gary Larson's The Far Side cartoons are known for what Larson calls "absurd, almost non sequitur animal" characters, such as talking cows, to create a bizarre effect. He gives the example of a strip where "two cows in a field gaze toward burning Chicago, saying 'It seems that agent 6373 had accomplished her mission.'"[6]
See also
[edit]- Anacoluthon
- Anti-humor
- Dada
- Derailment (thought disorder)
- "Good day, fellow!" "Axe handle!"
- Gibberish
- Roger Irrelevant
- Surreal humour
References
[edit]- ^ The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. Oxford University Press, 2009.
- ^ "Non Sequitur - Examples and Definition of Non Sequitur". Literary Devices. 2014-01-02. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
- ^ Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur Archived 2012-02-18 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Definition of NON SEQUITUR". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
- ^ Chambers, Robert (2010). Parody: The Art that Plays with Art. Peter Lang Publishers. p. 75. ISBN 978-1433108693. Retrieved 2014-09-17.
Along with a rhythmic pattern, these jokes, however absurd they may be, build dual frames of reference, if not alternative worlds entirely reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the individual stand-up artist.
- ^ Harrington, Richard (16 June 1983). "The Bizarre Side". Washington Post. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
Further reading
[edit]- The Koan: Texts and Contexts in Zen Buddhism. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2000.
- Shabo, Magedah Rhetoric, Logic, and Argumentation: A Guide for Student Writers. United States, Prestwick House, 2010.
External links
[edit]
Look up non sequitur in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
- Getting It: Human Event-Related Brain Response to Jokes in Good and Poor Comprehenders - "When asked to pick the punch-line of a joke from an array of choices, including straightforward endings, non sequitur endings, and the correct punch-line, RHD patients erred by picking non sequitur endings, indicating that they know surprise is necessary"