Maggie Hennefeld sa venuje štúdiu literatúry a kultúrnych štúdií, pričom jej práca sa často zameriava na filmovú komédiu a jej historické a kultúrne kontexty. Skúma, ako sa humor a jeho formy vyvíjali v priebehu času a ako odrážajú spoločenské zmeny a kultúrne postoje. Jej prístup je analytický a kladie si za cieľ pochopiť hlbšie významy a spoločenské dopady komediálnych diel.
The book delves into the overlooked narratives surrounding "hysterical laughter," particularly in the context of women's experiences. It examines how society has both theorized and demonized this form of amusement, highlighting the ways it has been suppressed and exploited throughout history. Through this exploration, the author sheds light on the complex relationship between gender and laughter, uncovering the cultural implications and historical significance of women's laughter.
In Specters of Slapstick and Silent Film Comediennes, Maggie Hennefeld examines little-known silent films that, she argues, provide disturbing but suggestive images for comprehending gendered social upheavals in the early twentieth century. Hennefeld shows how slapstick comediennes were crucial to the emergence of film language and experimentation.