What comes to mind when you think about a country bumpkin visiting the big city for the first time?
- A hilarious fish-out-of-water experience full of misunderstandings and misadventures!
- A heartwarming story of innocence and wonder.
- A cautionary tale about the dangers of the big city.
- An opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
You’re at a party and someone is bragging about their social connections. Do you…?
- Challenge them with your own impressive network!
- Subtly steer the conversation to a more interesting topic.
- Smile politely and nod along, secretly judging their name-dropping.
- Excuse yourself to find more engaging company.
If you could wave a magic wand and create the perfect ending for a George Ade fable, what would it be?
- The underdog triumphs, teaching everyone a valuable lesson about humility and kindness.
- A hilarious twist of fate exposes the hypocrisy of the characters and leaves everyone in stitches.
- A heartwarming act of redemption shows that even flawed characters can change their ways.
- A thought-provoking open ending leaves the reader pondering the complexities of human nature.
How do you feel about characters who use their charm and wit to get what they want?
- I admire their cleverness and ability to manipulate situations to their advantage.
- As long as they’re not hurting anyone, I find their antics entertaining.
- I’m wary of their motives and question their sincerity.
- I find their behavior manipulative and dishonest.
What’s your favorite memory of reading a book that made you laugh out loud?
- That time I couldn’t stop laughing on public transport and everyone was staring.
- Sharing a particularly funny passage with a friend and laughing hysterically together.
- Realizing the author was poking fun at something I secretly found ridiculous too.
- The sheer joy of escaping into a world of wit and humor.
What makes you most frustrated about people who constantly chase social status?
- Their superficiality and lack of genuine connection with others.
- Their obsession with appearances and material possessions.
- Their tendency to forget about the people who helped them along the way.
- The fact that they’re often so caught up in the climb that they forget to enjoy the view.
What’s your favorite type of humor?
- Slapstick and physical comedy that never fails to make me laugh.
- Clever wordplay and witty banter that tickle my funny bone.
- Satire that exposes the absurdity of human behavior and societal norms.
- Observational humor that finds the funny side of everyday life.
How comfortable are you with laughing at the flaws and mishaps of others?
- I believe laughter is a great leveler and we should all be able to laugh at ourselves and each other.
- As long as the humor is good-natured and not mean-spirited, I’m all for it.
- I prefer to focus on the positive and find humor in situations rather than people.
- I’m uncomfortable with humor that targets individuals or groups, even if it’s meant to be funny.
What keeps you up at night about the challenges of maintaining genuine relationships?
- The fear of betrayal and the possibility that people aren’t who they seem to be.
- The constant effort required to communicate effectively and navigate conflict constructively.
- The pressure to live up to societal expectations and the fear of being judged by others.
- The inevitability of change and the possibility that people will grow apart over time.
Which of these scenarios from “More Fables” would you enjoy the most?
- Witnessing a cunning character outsmart a pompous social climber.
- Observing the chaos that ensues when a country bumpkin visits the big city.
- Watching a group of gossipy neighbors get their comeuppance.
- Following the misadventures of a lovestruck character as they stumble through social situations.
How do you feel about characters who cling to outdated social norms?
- I find them frustrating and out of touch with reality.
- I see them as a product of their time and try to understand their perspective.
- I’m fascinated by their resistance to change and the reasons behind their beliefs.
- I pity their inability to adapt and embrace new ideas.
What do you dream about when it comes to finding humor in everyday life?
- Developing a sharp wit and becoming a master of comedic timing.
- Surrounding myself with funny people and sharing laughter-filled moments.
- Seeing the absurdity in even the most mundane situations and finding joy in the unexpected.
- Using humor to connect with others and brighten someone’s day.
You have a choice: spend an evening with a group of gossipy socialites or a cynical observer of human folly. Who do you choose?
- The gossipy socialites, I live for the drama!
- The cynical observer, I appreciate their sharp wit and insight into human nature.
- Neither, I’d rather spend my evening with a good book or with close friends.
What is your absolute favorite activity that involves wit and humor?
- Watching stand-up comedy shows and laughing until my sides hurt.
- Having witty banter with friends and engaging in playful teasing.
- Attending improv performances and marveling at their quick thinking and comedic timing.
- Curating memes and sharing them with my online friends.
What happened in the past when you realized someone was not who they seemed to be?
- I learned a valuable lesson about trusting my gut instinct and being cautious about who I let into my life.
- I felt betrayed and disappointed, but ultimately grateful to have seen their true colors.
- I questioned my judgment and wondered if I had missed any red flags.
- I shrugged it off and moved on, recognizing that not everyone is meant to be a part of my journey.
What are you most excited about when you think about diving into a collection of humorous short stories?
- The prospect of discovering a new favorite author and their unique comedic voice.
- The opportunity to escape into a world of wit and satire, forgetting my everyday worries for a while.
- The chance to gain fresh perspectives on human nature and the absurdities of social conventions.
- The simple pleasure of laughing out loud and enjoying a lighthearted read.
What aspect of George Ade’s writing style makes you the most happy?
- His sharp wit and ability to find humor in the most unexpected places.
- His vivid character portrayals and the way he brings his stories to life.
- His insightful commentary on society and human nature.
- His ability to make me laugh and think at the same time.
If you could choose any character from “More Fables” to befriend, which one would you choose and why?
- Someone resourceful and clever like the Grass Widow, I admire their ability to think on their feet.
- Someone observant and witty, like the narrator of many of the fables.
- Someone kindhearted and genuine, like the few characters who show compassion for others.
- Someone completely outrageous and unpredictable, I love a good laugh!
Someone asks, “How’s your week going?” but you want to give a more honest and entertaining answer than “Good.” What do you say?
- Oh, it’s been a regular George Ade fable, full of unexpected twists and turns!
- Let’s just say I’m feeling rather like a country bumpkin in the big city – a little lost, but mostly amused.
- It’s been a whirlwind of social engagements and amusing observations, just like a page out of one of Ade’s stories!
- I’m doing my best to navigate the complexities of human nature and societal expectations, one humorous encounter at a time.
What’s your favorite memory related to experiencing satire or witty social commentary?
- The first time I read a satirical essay that perfectly captured the absurdity of a situation I had personally experienced.
- Watching a stand-up comedian expertly dissect a current event, leaving the audience in stitches.
- Discovering a hidden gem of a book or movie that cleverly lampooned social norms I hadn’t even questioned before.
- Sharing a knowing glance with a friend while witnessing a real-life scenario that could have come straight from a George Ade fable.
How would your friends and family describe your sense of humor?
- Sharp and observant, they always notice the funny side of things.
- Dry and witty, with a knack for clever wordplay.
- Warm and engaging, they bring laughter to every gathering.
- Slightly sarcastic, but always with a twinkle in their eye.
Tell us a little about your favorite fictional character who uses wit and humor to navigate challenging situations.
- They’re a master of disguise, using their quick wit and charm to outsmart their opponents.
- They have a sharp tongue but a kind heart, often using humor to diffuse tense situations.
- They’re the ultimate underdog, finding humor in even the most dire of circumstances.
- They’re completely unpredictable, keeping everyone on their toes with their outrageous antics.
A specific situation arises where you witness someone behaving in a pompous and self-important manner. How do you react?
- I can’t resist a good opportunity for some lighthearted teasing, I might subtly point out the absurdity of their behavior.
- I observe the situation with detached amusement, silently judging their every move.
- I try to find a polite way to excuse myself from the interaction.
- I confront them directly, calling out their arrogance and lack of self-awareness.
What are you most passionate about that intersect with humor and satire?
- Social justice and using humor to challenge inequality and injustice.
- Politics and finding humor in the absurdity of the political landscape.
- Pop culture and poking fun at the latest trends and celebrity antics.
- Everyday life and finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.
When you were a kid, how did you experience humor and storytelling?
- I loved listening to my grandparents tell funny stories about their youth.
- I devoured comic books and cartoons, mesmerized by the combination of humor and art.
- I was the class clown, always cracking jokes and making my classmates laugh.
- I found solace in books, escaping into worlds of wit and imagination.
You have a free weekend to do whatever you want. What do you do?
- Attend a comedy festival, immersing myself in a world of laughter and entertainment.
- Curl up with a collection of humorous short stories, escaping into a world of wit and satire.
- Gather my funniest friends for a game night filled with laughter and friendly competition.
- Write my own satirical sketches or stories, exploring my comedic voice.
What’s your go-to music, podcast, or TV show when you need a good laugh?
- A classic sitcom that never fails to make me smile, no matter how many times I’ve seen the episodes.
- A podcast hosted by comedians with a knack for witty banter and hilarious observations.
- A stand-up comedy special featuring my favorite comedian’s latest material.
- A satirical news program that pokes fun at current events.
What place, concept, idea, or topic do you most want to explore through the lens of humor and satire?
- The future of technology and the potential pitfalls of our reliance on artificial intelligence.
- The complexities of human relationships in the age of social media.
- The environmental challenges facing our planet.
- The search for meaning and purpose in a world that often feels absurd.
What is your strongest quality when it comes to appreciating and understanding satire and humor?
- My sharp wit and ability to pick up on subtle nuances of language.
- My keen observation skills and ability to see the humor in everyday situations.
- My broad knowledge of history, literature, and pop culture.
- My empathy and ability to understand different perspectives.
How prepared are you for a surprise encounter with a long-lost acquaintance who has undergone a dramatic transformation, like the Cotillion Leader in “More Fables”?
- I’m always ready to embrace the unexpected, I’d greet them with genuine warmth and curiosity.
- I might be a little taken aback, but I’d try to navigate the situation with grace and humor.
- I’d probably avoid eye contact and hope they don’t recognize me.
- I’d be skeptical of their motives and wary of their sudden reappearance.
What happens if your carefully crafted public persona is suddenly shattered, revealing a different side of you, like the characters in “The Fable of Why Sweetie Flew the Track”?
- I’d embrace the opportunity for authenticity and let people see the real me.
- I’d try to laugh it off and downplay the situation, hoping to maintain my carefully constructed image.
- I’d retreat from the public eye and lick my wounds, dreading the inevitable gossip.
- I’d use the experience as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.
What do you think you need to fully appreciate the nuances of George Ade’s social commentary and satirical wit?
- A deeper understanding of early 20th-century American culture and societal norms.
- A willingness to laugh at myself and recognize the universality of human foibles.
- An appreciation for the art of storytelling and the power of language.
- A healthy dose of cynicism and a keen eye for hypocrisy.
How confident are you in your ability to spot a “Grass Widow” or a “Man-Grabber” in real life?
- I’m a pretty good judge of character, I’d like to think I could see through their charade.
- I’m cautious but not cynical, I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
- I’m a bit of a romantic, I might be blinded by charm and miss the warning signs.
- I tend to be suspicious of everyone, so I’m probably overly cautious.
How do you handle situations where someone is spreading rumors or gossip about you?
- I confront the source directly and shut down the false narrative.
- I rise above the fray and refuse to engage in petty drama.
- I confide in trusted friends and rely on my own reputation to weather the storm.
- I fight fire with fire, spreading my own juicy gossip about the rumormonger.
Do you have a “Lutie, the False Alarm” in your life – someone with big dreams but questionable talent? How do you approach their aspirations?
- I encourage them to pursue their passions, even if I have reservations about their chances of success.
- I offer constructive criticism and gentle guidance, hoping to help them find a more realistic path.
- I avoid the topic altogether, dreading the awkwardness of discussing their lack of talent.
- I secretly hope they prove me wrong and achieve their dreams.
How well do you stick to your convictions when faced with social pressure to conform?
- I’m fiercely independent and refuse to compromise my values for the sake of fitting in.
- I try to find a balance between staying true to myself and being respectful of others’ opinions.
- I’m a bit of a people-pleaser, I sometimes find it difficult to go against the grain.
- It depends on the situation and the stakes involved.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your approach to dealing with life’s absurdities?
- I embrace the chaos and find humor in the unexpected.
- I try to maintain a sense of perspective and remind myself that this too shall pass.
- I rely on my sense of humor to cope with challenging situations.
- I sometimes struggle to find the funny side of things, especially when I’m feeling stressed.
To what degree do you experience the “Michigan Counterfeit” dilemma – the struggle to reconcile your own identity with external expectations?
- I’m comfortable with who I am and don’t feel pressured to conform to external expectations.
- I’ve learned to navigate different social circles and adapt my behavior accordingly, while staying true to my core values.
- I sometimes feel torn between different aspects of my identity, trying to find a balance between who I am and who others expect me to be.
- I’m still figuring out who I am and what I believe in.
What is your current biggest challenge related to finding humor and levity in everyday life?
- Remembering to slow down and appreciate the small moments of joy.
- Surrounding myself with positive people who share my sense of humor.
- Letting go of my need for control and embracing the unexpected.
- Finding a healthy balance between humor and seriousness.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter someone who reminds you of a character from “More Fables”?
- Oh, this is going to be interesting…
- I wonder if they realize how transparent their behavior is.
- I bet they have some great stories to tell.
- I need to get out of this conversation before I laugh in their face.
How do you handle social situations that feel like they’ve been ripped from the pages of a satirical novel, like the events in “The Fable of What Happened the Night the Men Came to the Women’s Club”?
- I observe the absurdity with detached amusement, making mental notes for future storytelling opportunities.
- I try to inject some much-needed humor into the situation, hoping to break the tension.
- I mingle on the periphery, avoiding becoming embroiled in the drama.
- I excuse myself at the earliest opportunity, seeking refuge in a more stimulating environment.
How would you describe your relationship to societal expectations?
- I acknowledge their existence but ultimately live life on my own terms.
- I try to find a balance between respecting societal norms and pursuing my own goals.
- I’m somewhat influenced by societal expectations, but I strive to make choices that feel authentic to me.
- I sometimes feel trapped by societal expectations, struggling to break free from their constraints.
Are you stuck in a “Bert” situation – prioritizing social engagements over more important responsibilities?
- I’ve been there, but I’ve learned to prioritize my commitments and manage my time effectively.
- I find it easy to balance my social life with my work and other obligations.
- I occasionally struggle to say no to invitations, but I’m working on setting healthier boundaries.
- I’m a firm believer in work-life balance and make sure to prioritize my well-being.
What would you say are your top struggles right now when it comes to navigating social dynamics?
- Dealing with passive-aggressive behavior and indirect communication.
- Setting healthy boundaries and asserting my needs without feeling guilty.
- Overcoming social anxiety and feeling comfortable in new situations.
- Finding my tribe and connecting with like-minded individuals.
What is your “humor goal”? In other words, what role do you want humor to play in your life?
- To use humor to bring joy to others and make the world a lighter, brighter place.
- To develop a sharp wit and become a master of comedic timing.
- To cultivate a playful attitude and find humor in even the most challenging situations.
- To use humor as a tool for self-expression and connection.
What do you think is missing in your quest to fully embrace humor as a tool for navigating life’s ups and downs?
- More confidence in my own comedic timing and delivery.
- A willingness to be vulnerable and laugh at myself.
- A greater understanding of different types of humor and what resonates with different audiences.
- More opportunities to practice my wit and hone my comedic skills.
A situation arises where a friend is behaving in a way that is clearly contrary to their own values, much like the characters in “The Fable of the Lodge Fiend and the Delilah Trick Played by His Wife.” How do you respond?
- I approach them with compassion and understanding, offering a listening ear and non-judgmental support.
- I gently point out the discrepancy between their actions and their words, encouraging them to reflect on their behavior.
- I distance myself from the situation, not wanting to get involved in their personal drama.
- I call them out publicly, exposing their hypocrisy to others.
What descriptive word do you experience most: amused, cynical, observant, or witty?
- Amused – I find humor in the everyday and enjoy observing the world with a lighthearted perspective.
- Cynical – I tend to be skeptical of people’s motives and question everything.
- Observant – I’m highly attuned to my surroundings and notice details that others often miss.
- Witty – I have a knack for wordplay and enjoy making clever remarks.
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis: societal expectations, genuine connections, achieving your ambitions, or understanding your own identity?
- Societal expectations – I often feel pressured to conform to what others expect of me.
- Genuine connections – I worry about forming deep and meaningful relationships.
- Achieving my ambitions – I’m driven to succeed and sometimes fear failure.
- Understanding my own identity – I’m still figuring out who I am and what I want out of life.
How confident and self-assured do you feel in your social interactions?
- I’m very comfortable in social settings and enjoy connecting with others.
- I’m generally at ease in social situations, but I sometimes experience moments of self-doubt.
- I can be a bit shy at first, but I warm up once I get to know people.
- I often feel awkward and out of place in social gatherings.
How well do you balance your desire for social connection with your need for solitude and reflection?
- I have a good balance, I make time for both social interaction and introspection.
- I tend to be more introverted and prioritize solitude over social engagements.
- I’m naturally extroverted and thrive in social settings.
- I’m still working on finding a healthy balance between my social life and my personal needs.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you: superficiality, hypocrisy, injustice, or conformity?
- Superficiality – I can’t stand people who are more concerned with appearances than substance.
- Hypocrisy – I’m disgusted by people who say one thing and do another.
- Injustice – I’m passionate about fighting for fairness and equality for all.
- Conformity – I value individuality and detest the pressure to fit in.
What is the trickiest part about navigating social situations in a way that feels both authentic and appropriate?
- Reading social cues and understanding unspoken rules.
- Balancing my own needs and desires with the expectations of others.
- Knowing when to speak up and when to hold back.
- Overcoming my fear of judgment and being myself, even when it feels risky.
Do you tend to attract more “Uncle Brewster” types (naive and easily misled) or “Grass Widow” types (cunning and manipulative) into your life?
- I attract more “Uncle Brewster” types, I have a soft spot for underdogs and tend to see the best in people.
- I seem to encounter my fair share of both, life is full of surprises!
- I’m more likely to attract “Grass Widow” types, I’m drawn to charisma and wit, even if it’s sometimes deceptive.
- I have a strong intuition and tend to avoid people who give me bad vibes.
Do you have a strong support system in place, such as close friends and family members, who appreciate your sense of humor and understand your perspective on life?
- Yes, I’m fortunate to have a circle of loved ones who get me.
- I have a few close friends who I can always count on for a laugh.
- I’m working on building stronger connections with like-minded people.
- I tend to be more independent and keep to myself.
How do you determine your personal definition of success each day?
- By setting achievable goals and celebrating my accomplishments, no matter how small.
- By focusing on my passions and pursuing activities that bring me joy.
- By nurturing my relationships and spending quality time with loved ones.
- By making a positive impact on the world and leaving it a better place than I found it.
Are your humor-infused observations consistently achieving their assigned task – to bring laughter, lighten the mood, or spark thoughtful conversations?
- Yes, I’m told I have a knack for hitting the right comedic note.
- Sometimes, it really depends on the audience and the context.
- I’m still refining my comedic timing and delivery.
- I prefer to observe and listen rather than be the center of attention.
How do you manage the delicate balance between using humor to navigate life’s challenges while also acknowledging the seriousness of certain situations?
- I rely on my intuition and empathy to guide my interactions.
- I try to be mindful of the context and my audience.
- I err on the side of caution, reserving humor for appropriate moments.
- I believe that laughter can be a source of strength and resilience, even in the face of adversity.