Mark Twain and Laughter: a WebQuest

Humor is a funny thing: what makes one person laugh out loud can leave another confused. Audiences change; styles change. That's true of many things.

You have analyzed the techniques comedians use to make an audience laugh. You have noted similarities and differences in Mark Twain's style from the late 1800s and the style of modern comedians. You have shared your analysis with others in the form of a brochure.

Laughter has been around since the first caveman took the first pratfall. Mark Twain may have been the first, however, to make a profession of standing in front of an audience and telling jokes. In doing this, he not only shared his own gifts but also encouraged others to bring the world a little comic relief.