Permanence and Change/ Stability and Change (1935-2009): A Burkean Analysis of Saturday Night Live (1975-2009)

• In Event: Permanence/Stability and Change: Burkean Perspectives

Abstract

In assessing the enduring popularity and influence of Saturday Night Live in American society, the work of Kenneth Burke becomes particularly applicable. Against the background of the historical and social significance of SNL, Burke's perspective by incongruity concept and those of related authors are used to explain the social impact of SNL's humor. The pairing here of Burke and Saturday Night Live give testimony to the strength of Burke's perspective in the analysis of contemporary discourse.

Author

• Cheri Campbell, University of Wisconsin, Waukesha