Non Sequitur

Introduction

Non Sequitur is a Latin phrase meaning “it does not follow.” This literary device refers to statements, sayings, or conclusions that do not logically relate to what came before them. In literature, a Non Sequitur can appear in dialogue, where a character responds incongruously to a conversation, or in the narrative flow, where an unrelated statement or event breaks the logical sequence of ideas. This device is often used for comedic effect, creating humor through absurd or unpredictable remarks and situations. However, it can also be employed to create a sense of surrealism or to challenge the reader’s expectations and perceptions, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Pronunciation:
nän ˈse-kwə-tər

When Do Writers Use Non Sequitur?

Writers use Non Sequitur to inject humor, surprise, or a sense of the absurd into their work. This device can disrupt the reader’s expectations, making the narrative more engaging and less predictable. It’s particularly effective in genres that lean towards the surreal or comedic, as it helps to establish a tone that defies conventional logic. In drama and film, Non Sequitur can provide relief in tense situations or develop a character as eccentric or mentally divergent. In poetry, it can create vivid, if disjointed, imagery that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Rules for Using Non Sequitur Literary Device

1. Context Is Key: Ensure the use of Non Sequitur contributes to the overall tone and theme of your work. It should add, not detract, from the narrative or dialogue’s impact.
2. Balance the Absurdity: Too many Non Sequiturs can make a text confusing or overly chaotic. Use them sparingly to maintain coherence and enhance the surprise element when they do appear.
3. Character Development: Use Non Sequiturs to reveal aspects of a character’s personality, particularly to highlight eccentricity or a disjointed thought process.
4. Comedic Timing: In comedic writing, the impact of a Non Sequitur depends greatly on timing. Position it at a moment where it will maximize the humorous effect without undermining the storyline.
5. Audience Awareness: Consider your audience’s ability to appreciate this device. Non Sequiturs require a certain level of intellectual engagement and cultural awareness; they may not suit every audience or genre.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate Non Sequiturs into your writing to enrich your narrative and entertain your readers.

Types of Non Sequitur

Non Sequitur can manifest in several distinct forms across different types of media and contexts:

1. Logical Non Sequitur: This type involves a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous statements. It’s often used in argumentative contexts to highlight faulty reasoning.
2. Comedic Non Sequitur: Frequently found in humor, this type relies on absurdity and unexpected shifts in conversation to elicit laughter. The response or comment has no logical connection to the preceding dialogue, creating a comic effect.
3. Dramatic Non Sequitur: In drama or narratives, a Non Sequitur might occur when a character reacts in a way that seems entirely unrelated to the situation at hand, often to add an element of surprise or surrealism.
4. Poetic Non Sequitur: Poets use Non Sequitur to create evocative imagery or express emotions in ways that defy logical analysis, often leaving interpretation open to the reader.

Non Sequitur in Literature

Here are some notable examples of Non Sequitur in literature:

1. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll: This classic is filled with Non Sequiturs, particularly in conversations between Alice and the various characters she meets, who often respond to her questions with bewildering, illogical statements.
2. “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller: Heller’s novel is renowned for its use of absurd and illogical statements by its characters, highlighting the madness of war and bureaucracy.
3. “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett: The dialogue between the main characters often involves Non Sequiturs that emphasize the existential themes and absurdity of their situation.
4. “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” by Tom Stoppard: This play features dialogues full of Non Sequiturs that contribute to the comedic and absurd tone, reflecting the confusion and existential angst of the characters.

Non Sequitur in Children’s Books

Non Sequiturs are also a staple in children’s literature, often used to create humor or whimsy:

1. “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss: The Cat’s remarks often don’t follow logically from the previous statements, providing a playful and unpredictable narrative style.
2. “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss: Sam-I-Am’s persistent offerings of green eggs and ham in bizarre locations and contexts serve as humorous Non Sequiturs throughout the book.
3. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl: Willy Wonka frequently makes bizarre and unexpected comments that seem unrelated to the conversations at hand, enhancing his eccentric and unpredictable character.

Non Sequitur in Poetry

In poetry, Non Sequiturs can create striking imagery and convey deep emotions through unconventional means:

1. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: This poem is known for its fragmented narrative and abrupt shifts between different voices and imagery, creating a disjointed but evocative effect.
2. “In a Station of the Metro” by Ezra Pound: This poem’s comparison of faces in the crowd to petals on a wet, black bough serves as a poetic Non Sequitur, linking unrelated elements to evoke a vivid image.
3. “Burnt Norton” by T.S. Eliot: Part of his Four Quartets, the poem uses seemingly unconnected images and ideas to explore complex themes of time and existence.

Non Sequitur in Songs

Non Sequiturs in songs often add an element of surrealism or abstract thinking to lyrics, creating memorable and sometimes puzzling moments. Here are ten songs known for their Non Sequitur lyrics:

1. “I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles – Filled with nonsensical and seemingly unrelated lyrics, such as “Yellow matter custard, dripping from a dead dog’s eye.”
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – Features abrupt shifts in style and lyrics, including lines like, “Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?”
3. “Subterranean Homesick Blues” by Bob Dylan – Contains a rapid-fire series of Non Sequiturs, like “The pump don’t work ‘Cause the vandals took the handles.”
4. “Loser” by Beck – Known for its chorus, “I’m a loser baby, so why don’t you kill me,” amid an array of disjointed and surreal verses.
5. “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Features famously baffling lines like “Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.”
6. “Come Together” by The Beatles – Includes enigmatic phrases such as “He got walrus gumboot.”
7. “Everyday Chemistry” by The Beatles – An unauthorized mashup album teeming with Non Sequitur moments drawn from various Beatles songs.
8. “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M. – The song is a stream of consciousness series of images and ideas.
9. “Happy Phantom” by Tori Amos – Offers whimsical and quirky lyrics like, “And if I die today I’ll be the happy phantom.”
10. “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie – Questions reality with surreal images, such as “Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow.”

Non Sequitur in Movies

Non Sequiturs in film often serve to inject humor, unsettle the audience, or convey a character’s unique perspective. Here are some famous examples:

1. “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” – The script is rife with Non Sequiturs, including scenes like the argument about whether a swallow could carry a coconut.
2. “The Big Lebowski” – The Dude often delivers lines that seemingly have no relation to the ongoing conversation.
3. “Anchorman” – Ron Burgundy’s dialogue frequently includes bizarre and unrelated interjections, enhancing the comedic tone of the film.
4. “Pulp Fiction” – Contains disjointed dialogues that jump from deep conversations to random observations, contributing to the film’s unique style.
5. “Napoleon Dynamite” – Features characters whose responses often do not logically follow from the previous statements, highlighting their quirky natures.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Non Sequitur

In “Anchorman,” a film known for its humorous use of Non Sequiturs, Ron Burgundy randomly declares, “I love lamp,” during a discussion, which serves as a perfect example of this literary device.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Non Sequitur

Search for the “I love lamp” scene from “Anchorman” on YouTube to see a Non Sequitur in action.

Non Sequitur in Advertising

In advertising, Non Sequiturs can create memorable, quirky pitches that stick in the mind of the consumer. Examples include:

1. Old Spice Commercials – Known for their absurd and illogical sequences that make them highly memorable.
2. Skittles “Taste the Rainbow” Campaigns – Often feature bizarre scenarios that have little to do with the actual product but are humorous and eye-catching.
3. Geico Commercials – Frequently use Non Sequiturs, like a talking gecko or unexpected characters, to make their insurance ads stand out.

Non Sequitur Related Literary Devices

Several literary devices relate to or can be confused with Non Sequitur, including:

1. Absurdism: Focuses on situations where life seems inherently meaningless, often using illogical events to express philosophical concepts.
2. Surrealism: Emphasizes unexpected juxtapositions and nonlogical developments, similar to Non Sequitur, but with a focus on tapping into the unconscious mind.
3. Paradox: Involves statements that contradict themselves yet might contain a hidden truth, differing from Non Sequitur by typically maintaining a connection to the preceding context.
4. Red Herring: Introduces misleading or distracting information that leads away from the actual issue, sometimes intersecting with Non Sequitur when the distraction seems particularly out of place.