The Simpsons, Hyper-Irony, and the Meaning of Life

In “The Simpsons, Hyper-Irony, and the Meaning of Life”, Carl Matheson discusses key points from the popular animated comedy as well as observations that have been made as far as how certain episodes have some sort of ironic reference to a movie, another television show or book. He also talks about how despite the irony of the situation, there is some sort of message in the show either directly or indirectly. To Matheson, “hyper-ironism is the most suitable form of comedy.” He also makes a point that comedy can be used to attack anybody who thinks they know all the answers to everything and that the Simpsons revels in the attack.