Non sequitur (absurdism)
A non sequitur is a conversational and literary device, often used for comical purposes (as opposed to its use in formal logic). It is a comment which, due to its lack of meaning relative to the comment it follows, is absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing. Its use can be deliberate or unintentional. Literally, it is Latin for "it does not follow." In other literature, a non sequitur can denote an abrupt, illogical, unexpected or absurd turn of plot or dialogue not normally associated with or appropriate to that preceding it.
Non sequiturs often appear to be disconnected or random comments, or random changes in subject, especially socially inappropriate ones. When non sequiturs are used frequently this can be called "absurd humor".
A good example of this device can be seen in an episode of the Micallef Programme which features a game show segment called Non-Sequitur Family Feud. The presenter asks the question "Name ten things you plug in", to which the contestant answers correctly with a list of ten random phrases, including mules, Lewis Carroll, 1832 and "I like butterscotch".
Animated shows such as Family Guy, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo frequently rely on non sequiturs.
The non sequitur can be understood as the converse of cliché. To illustrate: in theatre, traditional comedy and drama depend on the ritualization—that is, the predictability—of human emotional experiences. In contrast, the theatre of the absurd depends upon the disjunction—that is, the unpredictability—of that experience. Predictability in its most extreme form is cliché; unpredictability, then, expresses itself most naturally as non sequitur.
See also
Categories
Articles lacking sources from November 2006 | All articles lacking sources | Narratology