Who’s Laughing Now?: Traditions in African American Humor

  For the final exam, you will demonstrate what you have learned this semester. Your essay should showcase your ability to recall and apply course insights and to think critically about course materials. In at least 1200 words, write an analysis of Dave Chappelle’s stand-up special The Closer. Your essay must engage with the assigned essays by Helen Lewis and Roxane Gay. More importantly, you should develop an argument about Chappelle’s stand-up special and support that argument with evidence. Your essay should weigh in on whether the special is a successful satire, and you should engage with specific moments to demonstrate your understanding of the different comedic strategies Chappelle employs.