Dead End In Norvelt Analysis

In the historical fiction novel Dead End In Norvelt, by Jack Gantos, a mischievous and inquisitive boy, Jack Gantos, must endure harsh ennui when he is grounded for summer vacation. The author uses various forms of humor, including, the incongruity theory, low comedy, and dark hilarity to draw the reader into the story and make connections between relatable situations and characters.

First, the usage of the incongruity theory throughout the novel delivers further humanity to the depicted characters, as well as making it amusing for readers. For example, the character of Mr. Spizz is incongruous in every aspect. He rides around the town on a kindergarten tricycle and is proud of it. However, Mr. Spizz is a grown man and is thought to be deranged or demented for his actions. This is the incongruity theory because tricycles are often designed for children, but in this case an elderly man is using it. These two objects have nothing to do with one another. Furthermore, giving the readers the opposite reaction to the situation at hand.

“She lifted her hands out of the pot and they were melting. Lumps of yellow flesh oozed down her forearms and spattered onto the floor . . . then she held a rounded stump up to her mouth, bit off a cooked chunk, and spit it into the trash.” (Gantos 24-26) This is considered low comedy because the situation is slapstick comedy, which is an example of low comedy. These methods are effective and compelling because they leave the reader craving more and granting them to generate and visualize the incidents in their unique way, producing an emotional