Wit

Definition

Wit refers to the ability to think quickly and express ideas in an amusing and clever manner, often employing wordplay or sharp humor. In the context of satirical comedy, wit serves as a powerful tool for social critique, allowing playwrights and characters to expose follies and vices through humor. This cleverness often highlights the absurdities of human behavior, making it a vital component in the works of many playwrights who use comedy to challenge societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ben Jonson is known for his sharp wit in plays like 'Volpone' and 'The Alchemist', where he critiques social class and greed through humorous dialogue.
2. Wit in Jonson's works often manifests through clever repartee between characters, showcasing their intelligence while simultaneously highlighting their flaws.
3. The use of wit can be seen as a means of moral instruction, pushing audiences to reflect on their own behavior and societal issues.
4. In satirical comedy, wit often serves to undermine authority figures, making them subjects of ridicule rather than respect.
5. Jonson's brand of wit contrasts with the more slapstick humor prevalent in other forms of comedy during his time, emphasizing intellect over mere physical comedy.

Review Questions

• How does wit function as a form of social critique in the works of Ben Jonson?
  • Wit in Jonson's plays serves as a mechanism for social critique by cleverly exposing the follies and vices of his characters. Through sharp dialogue and humorous situations, Jonson challenges societal norms and exposes the absurdities of human behavior. For instance, in 'Volpone', the witty exchanges between characters not only entertain but also reveal their greed and hypocrisy, prompting the audience to reflect on similar behaviors within society.
• Compare and contrast the use of wit in Jonson's comedies with other comedic styles of his time.
  • While Jonson's comedies are marked by intellectual wit that offers sharp commentary on society, other comedic styles from his time often rely more heavily on physical humor or slapstick. For example, many Elizabethan plays utilized broad humor and exaggerated actions to provoke laughter. In contrast, Jonson's work demands an engaged audience that appreciates subtlety and cleverness, highlighting his unique approach to satire through witty dialogue rather than mere antics.
• Evaluate how wit contributes to character development in Jonson's satirical comedies and its impact on audience engagement.
  • Wit plays a crucial role in character development within Jonson's satirical comedies by revealing not only the intelligence of characters but also their moral shortcomings. As characters engage in witty exchanges, their personalities are fleshed out through their responses to situations and others. This clever interplay keeps the audience engaged, as they not only laugh at the humor but are also invited to critically analyze the motivations behind each character's words and actions. Consequently, wit becomes a driving force that enriches both character complexity and audience involvement.

Related terms

Satire:

A genre of literature and performing arts that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize and ridicule individuals, institutions, or societal norms.

Irony: A rhetorical device or figure of speech where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used in witty remarks to create humor.

Wordplay: The use of language in a clever or witty manner, often involving puns, double meanings, or other forms of linguistic creativity.