The line “Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains.” in Watchmen is famously ironic. What follows is not a joke in the traditional sense, but a profound parable. This masterful twist, transforming a simple joke into a story that reveals the core of The Comedian’s character, is a prime example of the exceptional writing found throughout Watchmen.
Obie’s sad clown stories are presented as jokes because they possess the structure of jokes: a logical setup leading to a surprising punchline. Consider the classic joke structure: a doctor recommending a clown to a depressed man, only for the man to reveal, “But Doctor I Am Pagliacci.” These jokes, crafted with precision, are designed to elicit laughter. Their comedic effect is robust; you can alter elements of the scenario while maintaining the core mechanism of the joke and still achieve a humorous outcome. For instance:
A despondent man sits by the riverbank, gazing forlornly at the water.
“What troubles you?” asks a passerby. “I can’t find love, no matter how I try,” the man sighs. “Nonsense!” the passerby scoffs dismissively. “Here, take these two gold coins and visit the brothel down the road—that will surely solve your problem.” “It’s no use…” replies the man on the bench. “I’ve been running that brothel for fifteen years.”
This joke, like one about a fortune teller worried about the future, or any similar pairing of a mental state with a contradictory profession, operates on the same comedic principle. However, none of these lighter variations would effectively replace the Pagliacci story within Watchmen because the Pagliacci story carries a significantly deeper weight. Pagliacci’s sadness is not merely melancholy; it’s a profound apathy toward life itself.
A man goes to the doctor. He says he’s depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels utterly alone in a threatening world where the future is uncertain and bleak. The doctor suggests, “Treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is performing tonight. Go and see him. That should cheer you up.” The man breaks down in tears. He says, “But doctor…I am Pagliacci.”
This is not simply a joke; it’s a stark depiction of a man who perceives life’s inherent harshness and cruelty. This perception is visually underscored in the comic panels accompanying the narration. The doctor’s recommendation to see a clown is presented as a conventional remedy, a means of distraction from the grim realities of existence. However, this suggestion is futile for Pagliacci because he, unlike the general populace, cannot be distracted by humor. He is the distraction for others, yet finds no distraction for himself.
This parable is intrinsically linked to The Comedian’s character, which is the core message Rorschach conveys through this story. The Comedian’s relentless fight for justice, albeit through brutal and often morally ambiguous methods, stems from his inability to be distracted by societal illusions or superficial comforts. He sees the world’s inherent darkness and chooses to confront it head-on, unlike those who seek refuge in distractions. This understanding of the Pagliacci joke illuminates Rorschach’s intended message in the opening panels of Watchmen. It clarifies why this anecdote transcends mere humor; it’s a crucial piece in understanding the deeply cynical yet driven nature of The Comedian.
