“Scribbling to excite the laughter of God's creatures”: Some Thoughts on “Mere” Humor, Entertainment, and Pleasure

This article posits that entertainment and pleasure should be key aspects of humor studies—both in the study of so-called mere humor and so-called serious humor. Contrary to Satan's formulation—in Mark Twain's work—of humor as a metaphysical weapon (the idea that against “the assault of laughter” nothing can stand), this article argues for the relevance of other metaphors and other experiences in discussing humor and its impacts on human beings and human society.