An Analysis of Humor in Kevin Hart’s Stand-Up Comedy using The Script-Based Semantic Theory of Humor (SSTH)

Abstract

This thesis explores how humor is created in Kevin Hart‟s stand-up comedy using the Script-Based Semantic Theory of Humor (SSTH). The main focus is to identify and explain the types of script opposition in his jokes. Script opposition means two ideas that are opposite or different such as normal vs. abnormal, adult vs. child, or serious vs. silly, are used together in a single situation to create surprise and laughter. The data for this study comes from selected parts of Kevin Hart‟s stand-up shows that clearly show funny language. Each joke is carefully analyzed to find the hidden meanings and conflicting ideas that make it humorous. The study finds that Kevin Hart often mixes real-life situations with exaggerated reactions or unexpected twists. These strong contrasts between scripts are what make his comedy effective and funny. The results show that SSTH is a useful theory for understanding how verbal humor works in stand-up comedy, especially in revealing how Kevin Hart builds his jokes through language and meaning.