By: Jason Gerber
Humor has often been cited as an effective coping mechanism for stress relieving and fostering a sense of community. In the context of “One Legged Uncle Jesse,” we can observe multiple instances where humor binds the Stewart family together, particularly through the antics and stories of Arvis.
The story revolves around the lives of the characters, and it highlights how they use humor to manage stress, grief, and the difficulties they face. From the book, we can extract some valuable lessons regarding the importance of humor.
Arvis is a character who loves to read, and she brings a unique perspective on life through her funny comments and light-hearted approach. Her ability to find humor in everyday situations provides her with an escape from the harsh realities of life.
For instance, when she innocently asks her cousins about their father, Uncle Jesse, their reaction is a mix of tension and humor. Sadie and Clois’s fierce response of “we don’t talk about it” is something Arvis later finds amusing. Humor helps her and others in the story cope with uncomfortable and painful topics.
One of the most poignant displays of humor as a coping mechanism in the book occurs during family gatherings and church services. Despite being in a strict environment, the familial bonds are strengthened through shared moments of laughter.
The confined and formal atmosphere of the church, juxtaposed with minor disruptions, would trigger uncontrollable laughter among the sisters. This not only highlights the strong familial bond but also sheds light on how humor serves as an essential emotional release valve in their lives.
Thelma and Mera, Arvis’s older sisters, also play a significant role in using humor to deal with stress. When Arvis shares her conversation about Uncle Jesse with them, they mimic their cousins and Uncle Jesse, creating a sense of camaraderie and laughter.
This moment of shared humor helps them address a tough subject without making it too heavy. The sisters’ playful imitation of their cousins serves as a way to bond and relieve stress.
Using humor as a coping mechanism is not limited to fictional characters; it is a valuable tool we can incorporate into our own lives. Life often presents us with stressful situations and grief, and humor can make these moments more bearable.
By finding something to laugh about, we can lighten our mood and gain a new perspective on a difficult situation. Humor does not mean ignoring problems; it means facing them with a lighter heart. One way to incorporate humor into daily life is to seek out funny moments and cherish them. Just like Arvis did with her sisters, we can find humor even in the most serious conversations.
Watching funny movies, reading humorous books, or sharing jokes with friends and family can create a positive atmosphere. Laughter is infectious, and it can improve our mood and the mood of those around us.
Sharing a laugh with loved ones can deepen relationships and create lasting memories. In times of grief, these shared moments of laughter become even more precious.
Experiencing life’s ups and downs with humor can also improve our overall mental health. It serves as a buffer against the negative effects of stress. The characters in “One Legged Uncle Jesse” often use humor to deflect sadness and bring light to dark moments.
Moreover, humor helps us build resilience. By not taking ourselves too seriously and finding humor in our mistakes, we learn to bounce back from setbacks more easily.
Final Words
“One Legged Uncle Jesse” shows us the profound impact humor can have on our lives. Arvis and her family use humor to deal with stress, grief, and the complexities of their relationships.
Next time life throws a curveball, remember to find something to laugh about and let humor be your coping mechanism.
Published by: Holy Minoza
