By Jolin Yu Class of 2025

Laughing in the Face of Chaos: Absurdist Comedies Across Eras

Editor’s Note: The History Fellowship program offers students the opportunity to conduct college-level independent research on a historical topic of their choice, resulting in a substantial academic paper and oral presentation. Through guided discussions, structured support, and access to both on- and off-campus sources, students learn and apply the practices of professional historians.

What in the world could Socrates, one of history’s most celebrated philosophers, possibly have in common with Eric Cartman, the chaotic antihero of the crude and often outrageous animated series South Park? At first glance, absolutely nothing. One is an emblem of classical thought and reason; the other is a cartoon character known for his selfishness and vulgarity. And yet, these two figures share an unexpected connection, one that might make you rethink how we view comedy, philosophy, and the absurd.

As secularism rises worldwide, absurdism has become an increasingly relevant framework for understanding life. With growing freedom in religious beliefs and a shift away from traditional faiths, more people find themselves resonating with absurdism and absurd comedy. In other words, as traditional beliefs about life as a pathway to something greater (such as Heaven or Hell in Christianity) diminish, many find themselves struggling with a loss of purpose and direction. Absurdist humor steps in, allowing the audience to face this unsettling idea of a chaotic, meaningless universe by translating this concern into something both liberating and entertaining.

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