Humor has to surprise us; otherwise, it isn't funny. It's a death knell for a writer to be labeled a humorist because then it's not a surprise anymore.

In this quote, Garrison Keillor explains that surprise is a crucial element of humor. He suggests that if a joke or comedic moment doesn’t catch the audience off guard, it loses its effectiveness. The surprise element, often in the form of an unexpected twist or punchline, is what makes humor impactful. Keillor’s point emphasizes that without the element of surprise, humor becomes predictable, which diminishes its ability to entertain or evoke laughter.

Keillor also addresses the dangers of being labeled a humorist. When a writer is known primarily for being a humorist, their work can become associated with certain expectations or tropes. As a result, the element of surprise is lost, and the humor may no longer be as effective or engaging. This "death knell" suggests that when an artist is pigeonholed into a particular genre, the audience starts to anticipate the jokes or patterns, thus reducing the freshness and spontaneity of their work.

By expressing concern over the label of “humorist,” Keillor is warning that the constant expectation to be funny can hinder the writer’s ability to explore depth and variety in their writing. It limits their range, and as humor becomes expected, it risks becoming stale or forced. Keillor’s statement reflects his belief that humor, when free from expectation, can be a tool for creative surprise and discovery.

Ultimately, Keillor’s quote speaks to the fragile and fleeting nature of humor. It highlights how, for humor to remain fresh and enjoyable, it must surprise both the audience and the creator. The danger of being typecast as a humorist is that the anticipation of humor can undermine its very purpose: to delight and surprise. This underscores the importance of maintaining creativity and unpredictability in the world of comedy.