The consolations of humour
The consolations of humour
Author(s): Elliott OringSubject(s): Anthropology, Social Sciences, Language and Literature Studies, Customs / Folklore, Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Communication studies, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology
Published by: Krakowskie Towarzystwo Popularyzowania Wiedzy o Komunikacji Językowej Tertium
Keywords: jokes; aggresssion; appropriate incongruity; Mormon; folklore;
Summary/Abstract: This examination of the corpus of anecdotes about the Mormon missionary J. Gordon Kimball (1953-1938), is used to point out, first, that there seem to be no substantive grounds for imputing aggressive motives to their tellers or their audiences. In fact, the central character of this corpus of anecdotes was a much beloved figure in his lifetime, and the character is still regarded with affection by many who only know him through the anecdotes The second point is that these jokes might offer compensations, but compensations unrelated to the release of and relief from libidinal forces. They rather can be understood in a way so that they may offer compensations of a different kind—the consolations of a philosophy.
Journal: The European Journal of Humour Research
- Issue Year: 5/2017
- Issue No: 4
- Page Range: 56-66
- Page Count: 11
- Language: English