A compelling guide to the fundamental place of humour and comedy within
Western culture --by one of its greatest exponents
Written by an acknowledged master of comedy, this study reflects on the nature
of humour and the functions it serves. Why do we laugh? What are we to make of
the sheer variety of laughter, from braying and cackling to sniggering and
chortling? Is humour subversive, or can it defuse dissent? Can we define wit?
Packed with illuminating ideas and a good many excellent jokes, the book
critically examines various well-known theories of humour, including the idea
that it springs from incongruity and the view that it reflects a mildly
sadistic form of superiority to others. Drawing on a wide range of literary
and philosophical sources, Terry Eagleton moves from Aristotle and Aquinas to
Hobbes, Freud, and Bakhtin, looking in particular at the psychoanalytical
mechanisms underlying humour and its social and political evolution over the
centuries.
Book Description Why do we laugh? Written by an acknowledged master of comedy, this study
reflects on the nature of humour and the functions it serves. Packed with
illuminating ideas and a good many excellent jokes, Terry Eagleton critically
examines various well-known theories of humour and its social and political
evolution over the centuries.
About the Author
Terry Eagleton is distinguished visiting professor of English literature,
University of Lancaster, and the author of more than fifty books in the fields
of literary theory, postmodernism, politics, ideology, and religion. Recent
publications include Why Marx Was Right and Culture. He lives in Northern
Ireland.

motw/Humour - Terry Eagleton.epub

motw/Humour - Terry Eagleton.pdf

zlib/no-category/Terry Eagleton;/Humour_120748781.epub

Eagleton, Terry

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Brandywine River Museum

Mariners' Museum, The

United States, United States of America

New Haven Connecticut, 2019

New Haven ; London, 2019

May 14, 2019

Memory of the World Librarian: outernationale

Written By An Acknowledged Master Of Comedy, This Study Reflects On The Nature Of Humour And The Functions It Serves. Why Do We Laugh? What Are We To Make Of The Sheer Variety Of Laughter, From Braying And Cackling To Sniggering And Chortling? Is Humour Subversive, Or Can It Defuse Dissent? Can We Define Wit? Packed With Illuminating Ideas And A Good Many Excellent Jokes, The Book Critically Examines Various Well-known Theories Of Humour, Including The Idea That It Springs From Incongruity And The View That It Reflects A Mildly Sadistic Form Of Superiority To Others. Drawing On A Wide Range Of Literary And Philosophical Sources, Terry Eagleton Moves From Aristotle And Aquinas To Hobbes, Freud, And Bakhtin, Looking In Particular At The Psychoanalytical Mechanisms Underlying Humour And Its Social And Political Evolution Over The Centuries. Terry Eagleton. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.

2025-10-27