Robert Longsworth, who researches Middle English comedy, discusses the nature and history of laughter. He describes the artistic nature and purpose of comedy as attempts to render “incongruity,” and notes that common social themes targeted by comedy include folly, love, and criticism of institutions. Comedy is “classed” and conservative by nature, he argues, but it provides relief from the tragedies of life and can tackle issues both trivial and profound.
At the time of this interview, Longsworth, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1980-81), was a professor of English at Oberlin College.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
