Final Answer:
Hyperbole, incongruity, and regional dialect are all techniques that can make a story humorous. In Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” these techniques add humor through exaggerated storytelling, unexpected situations, and the use of vernacular speech.
Step-by-step explanation:
In “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” Twain uses hyperbole to create humor by exaggerating the characteristics and actions of the characters. For example, in the story, Simon Wheeler tells a long-winded and exaggerated tale about Jim Smiley’s frog, which adds a comedic effect to the narrative. This hyperbolic storytelling style enhances the humor by making the events seem larger than life.
Furthermore, incongruity is employed in the story to create humor through unexpected and absurd situations. The contrast between the sophisticated city man and the rural characters in the story creates incongruity, leading to comedic moments. For instance, when the city man is tricked into listening to Wheeler’s tall tale about Smiley’s frog, the incongruity between their expectations and reality adds a humorous element to the story.
Additionally, Twain incorporates regional dialect to add humor by capturing the authentic speech patterns of the characters. The use of vernacular speech not only provides insight into the characters’ backgrounds but also adds a lighthearted tone to the narrative. For instance, Wheeler’s use of colloquial language and dialect reflects the rural setting of the story and contributes to its overall humor."