Sense of Humor by Damon Runyon

Aim: How does Damon Runyon's story  justify the title "Sense of Humor"?

Motivational Activities:

• About Damon Runyon

Do Now: In your journal describe your understanding of " sense of humor". Give an example.

Procedure:

New Vocabulary :

• extrapolate: 1.to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval
  2 a : to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usually conjectural knowledge of the unknown area 3. to predict by projecting past experience or known data 4. to perform the act or process of
• Scowl: v. to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
• daffy: CRAZY, FOOLISH
• scraggy: tree stump, uneven ground, bush -rough and jagged
• gendarmes: policeman

Study Questions

• Who is Joe the Joker? What is he famous for ?
• What is "hot foot"?
• Who is Frankie Ferocious? What does this name suggest about who he is?
• What did Joe the Joker do to Frankie Ferocious?
• What did he do to the narrator? How does the narrator respond to it? What changed his attitude towards Joe the Joker's joke?
• Who is Rosa? What happened between her and Joe the Joker? Why did he laugh about it?
• How does the narrator feel about Joe the Joker 's loss of Rosa?
• Where in the story does Joe demonstrate his sense of humor? Give two examples.
• What is "sacking a guy"? Who does it?
• What happened to Joe's brother Freddy? How did it happen? Why do you think it happened? What role did Rosa play in this incident?
• According to Joe, what joke is he going to play on Frankie Ferocious?
• How did the story end? How does the ending make you feel? Did you laugh ? Why or why not?
• How is Joe's sense of humor ultimately expressed in end of the story?

HW# 13 Write a humorous story about someone you know or a situation you have experienced. Remember you are writing a story of humor-no insult.