Abstract

Truth and Laughter: A Theory of Wit and Humor
Mercier, Vivian | August 6, 1960 issue

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This article focuses on a theory of wit and humor. Since 1953, the author has spent a good part of his spare time researching for and writing a book on thee Irish comic tradition. Seven years may seem a long time to spend on such a topic, but if he had paused to decide exactly what constitutes the difference between wit and humor, he should still be at the first page rather, than in sight of the last. Humor, remains absurd from start to finish. Author's dictionary defines "absurd" as "clearly untrue or unreasonable, and therefore laughable, ridiculous," etc. He must admit that denying the truth of humor implies a challenge to some powerful adversaries.

See Also:

WIT & humor; LITERATURE -- Humor; THEORY; IRISH; JOKING; AUTHORS
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