ABSTRACT
Humor is any remarkable oddity/foible belonging to a person in real life, whether this foible is constitutional, habitual, or only affected, whether partial in one or two circumstances or tinging the whole temper and conduct of the person. It has been observed that there is more humor in the English comedies than in others. Sir John Falstaff possesses generosity, cheerfulness, alacrity, invention, frolic, and fancy superior to all other men. Humor, in the representation of the foibles of persons in real life, frequently exhibits very generous benevolent sentiments of heart, and these, though exerted in a particular odd manner, justly command our fondness and love; whereas in the allusions of wit, severity, bitterness, and satire are frequently exhibited, and where these are avoided, not worthy amiable sentiments of the heart but quick unexpected efforts of the fancy are presented. Ben Jonson has humor in his characters, drawn with the most masterly skill and judgment.
