This work examines the dramatic changes in America women's comedy performance in the years 1955-1995.The study focuses on the standup of Phyllis Diller and Roseanne andon the character comedy of Lily Tomlin. As the historical arc of women's comedy unfolds, it outlines a change from the traditional vaudevillian style of standup, as represented by Diller (50s-70s), to a more satiric comedy represented by Tomlin (60s-80s) and Roseanne (80s-90s).
1. Introduction 2. Phyllis Diller: The Clown as Standup Comedian 3. Lily Tomlin: Breaking with Tradition 4. Roseanne: Fighting for Women's Comic Voice 5. New Directions for Women's Comedy: The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe by Jane Wagner 6. Conclusion: Feminist Humor and Change
