Final answer:
The statement that humor is infrequently employed to challenge authority is false. Writers like Charles Dickens and Jonathan Swift have historically used humor and satire to criticize authority and inspire social reflection. Humor, by ridiculing power, serves as a mechanism for social commentary and encourages intellectual engagement with critical issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that humor is rarely used to undermine or subvert authority is false. Throughout history, writers have frequently employed humor as a means to critique and question authority figures and societal norms. As seen in the works of authors like Charles Dickens and Jonathan Swift, humor can be a powerful literary device that allows readers to engage with social and political issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Ridicule can defuse the perceived power of institutions, making something that is potentially threatening seem less intimidating. This technique is seen in satire, which is often used to highlight societal flaws and provoke change. The key is to balance the humorous elements with the serious message intended by the author, as humor can sometimes overshadow the thematic message being conveyed.
Anthropologist Mary Douglas also examined humor's role in society, suggesting that it acts as a safety valve for releasing pressures that could destabilize the social order. Thus, humor is not only prevalent in literature but also has a significant role in broader social contexts.