why do authors use humor in their pieces?

[cortniBABY]

More specifically Chaucer and Shakespeare.
Wife of Bath's Tale
Millers Tale
Tempest

 

[theDREAMERe]

It catches the readers attention.

 

[GabriellaGeorge]

because some people want to have a good laugh and know the audiance will two, or they do it so there's not as much depression or themeaticall/subjct matter burden or for comic relief

 

[Pixie01]

Because in the days when it was written, humour was an easy way to get a point across, without offending anyone, it was also a good way of light entertainment, no one could deny a good opportunity to laugh. Also it created atmosphere and caught everyones attention, it assured people that they would enjoy themselves and that they could escape reality and simply let loose.