What makes this joke funny?
What is a joke?
A joke is a display of humour.
It uses a well-known short narrative structure to make people laugh.
It takes the form of a story and ends in a punch-line.
Usually, the punch-line delivers a second, hidden meaning.
If a reader can relate to, and understand a story - it works better!
What makes 'The Best Irish Joke' funny?
This joke is a perfect example of a funny and well-plotted story.
It sets up the story first giving us a setting and a context.
We are introduced to characters.
The story uses repetition to set up an expectation.
The joke uses suspense to get us ready for the punch-line.
The ending is unexpected.
This story uses the reader's prior knowledge about a situation, stereotypes and joke format to help it work so well.