Poetry · Chapter
The Humorist explained
A child questions their mother about a humorist, who is described as having black hands but a mild heart, a ghastly grin, and suffering from many distresses.
What happens
A child questions their mother about a humorist, who is described as having black hands but a mild heart, a ghastly grin, and suffering from many distresses. The mother explains that the humorist's smile is the outward sign of an internal joke meant for the Saturday Livercomplaint, and that he sweats from demons lurking in the fear of having to work. When asked why he doesn't end his life, the mother replies that the abolition of Hell has deprived him of hope.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Regret
The humorist's suffering and the contemplation of suicide reflect themes of mortality and regret.
Deception and Self-Deception
The humorist's ghastly grin as an outward sign of a joke within suggests a facade masking inner pain.
Key passages
“What is that, mother?”
A child asks their mother to identify a figure.
Opening line introducing the humorist.
“The humorist, child. His hands are black, but his heart is mild.”
The mother explains that the humorist appears rough but is gentle inside.
Describes the humorist's paradoxical nature.
“O, why does he wear such a ghastly grin?”
The child asks why the humorist has a frightening smile.
Highlights the humorist's unsettling expression.
“’Tis the outward sign of a joke within.”
The mother says the grin shows an internal joke.
Reveals the humorist's hidden humor.
“Will he crack it, mother?”
The child asks if the humorist will tell the joke.
Shows the child's curiosity.
“Not so, my saint; ’Tis meant for the Saturday Livercomplaint.”
The mother says the joke is intended for a specific publication.
References the Saturday Livercomplaint as the joke's target.