Many theories exist about what humour is and what social function it serves. The
prevailing types of theories attempting to account for the existence of humour include
psychological theories, the vast majority of which consider humour-induced behaviour to
be very healthy; spiritual theories, which may, for instance, consider humour to be a "gift
from God"; and theories which consider humour to be an unexplainable mystery, very
much like a mystical experience.
The benign-violation theory, endorsed by Peter McGraw, attempts to explain humour's
existence. The theory says 'humour only occurs when something seems wrong, unsettling,
or threatening, but simultaneously seems okay, acceptable or safe’. Humour can be used
as a method to easily engage in conversation by taking away that awkward,
uncomfortable, or uneasy feeling of social interactions. Others claim that humour cannot or
should not be explained. Author E.B. White once said, "Humour can be dissected as a frog
can, but the thing dies in the process and the innards are discouraging to any but the pure
scientific mind.”
As with any art form, the acceptance of a particular style or incidence of humour depends
on sociological factors and varies from person to person. Throughout history, comedy has
been used as a form of entertainment all over the world, whether in the courts of the
Western kings or the villages of the Far East. Both a social etiquette and a certain
intelligence can be displayed through forms of wit and sarcasm.
Questions 1 and 2
Answer the following questions using ONE word from the passage above.
1. Which group of theories about humour describe it as being good for us?
2. What function did comedy have in the royal courts of the past?
(Correct answers are on the next page)
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