The grimness is alleviated by absurdist humour, grotesque situations and snappy rejoinders reminiscent of Saul Bellow or, rather, Woody Allen.

ECONOMIST: Novels from the Netherlands

He plays in smaller, less showy phrases, jettisoning the flashy stuff in favor of whimsical inside jokes and odd blues rejoinders, quips that probably made sense to those sitting near him.

NPR: A Jazz Genius Goofs Off

Advocates of a flat tax make two rejoinders.

ECONOMIST: The Conservatives toy with a politically risky idea

There are three standard rejoinders.

FORBES: A Teachable Moment Courtesy Of Solyndra