Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby

Absurdist humor is a literary device that derives amusement from incongruous, irrational, or fundamentally absurd situations. It thrives on the unexpected and the nonsensical, often confronting the reader with a disconcerting disconnect between reality as they know it and the reality presented in the story. Barthelme’s narrative most prominently incorporates absurdist humor in the group’s nonchalant planning of their friend Colby’s execution. The group’s approach to planning this act is depicted in a mundane, prosaic manner. They fuss over minor details such as catering decisions, the provision of music, and what to do in the event of rain. These concerns contrast starkly with the fatal outcome they are orchestrating. The humor derived from this juxtaposition serves a dual purpose: It satirizes the dangers of Conformity and Groupthink while also exposing the irrationality and inhumanity that can emerge when individuals prioritize group consensus over personal moral judgment.

Irony is a widely used literary device where the intended meaning or outcome differs from the actual or literal meaning. It often involves a disconnect between expectations and reality. Barthelme employs irony liberally throughout “Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby,” specifically through the casual language used to discuss a gravely violent act.