CHAPTER IV.

VARIETIES OF THE LAUGHABLE.

The objective reference in laughter • 82

Universal element in the laughable • 83

Groups of laughable things • 87

(1) Novelty and oddity • 87

(2) Bodily deformities • 88

(3) Moral deformities and vices • 91

(4) Breaches of order and rule • 94

(5) Small misfortunes • 96

(6) References to the indecent • 98

(7) Pretences • 101

(8) Want of knowledge or skill • 102

(9) Relations of contrariety and incongruity • 107

(10) Verbal play and witticism • 111

Co-operation of different laughable features • 114

(11) Manifestations of playfulness in objects • 116

(12) Spectacle of successful combat • 117