The Language of Laughter Author(s): Mary Eloise Ragland Source: SubStance, Vol. 5, No. 13 (1976), pp.

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OF LAUGHTER THE LANGUAGE EloiseRagland Mary The increasing status to theory in current criticism has stimulated given literary radicalreconsideration of manycritical the fielda kindof within concepts, creating in philosophy, informed meta-criticism, by new theories anthropology, linguistics, and sociology, thusbringing out of the realmof static psychology literary analysis into the realmof dynamic used dialectic. thevaried description, Among approaches forre-evaluation of of literary a structural viewsthetextin terms meaning, approach the processes whichbringabout its creation:whereasman has traditionally been viewedin terms of fabricated a structural looks at himin the act analysis meanings, offabricating and text is seen endowed with meaning meaning. correspondingly being In this studyone will reconsider of comedy, a the conceptual significance and necessary fertile area forre-examination of comic becauseof the multiformity elements in literature. A structuralist of comre-evaluation of thetraditional staples such as so verbal twists and situation, edy, counterfeit, (role-playing, forth), technique and character, viewsthesecomicfeatures as surface structures which, they although describe the elements of comiceffect, do not explaincause,either in terms of the structures or in terms of the dynamics of the structuring itself. Thus,in underlying orderto cast a different on the of one outside the will go light meaning comedy, of into the realm of a result of comic effecttext, theory: re-analysis laughter-the another viewon thenecessary linkbetween to manandtext, thusadding mayprovide ourunderstanding ofthenature ofcomedy. as a meansof communicating a wide variety of emotions, Viewing laughter to and is cultural one concerned herewiththe observaaccording personal setting, tionthatlaughter, leads back to the samepsychodynamics. In thisessay nonetheless, I shalldiscussthepsychodynamics of laughter first in terms of Freudian and theory Lacan as a I shall Freud's within a structural then,using referent, interpret findings In 1905 Sigmund framework. und SeineBeziehung Freud'sDer Witz zum Unbewusstenappeared, an analysis oflaughter of in terms ofhisongoing redefinition providing humanmotivation and behavior. the cartesian Freud modelforreason, Dismantling as an essentially who creature upsetman'sview of himself rational, logical,unified has outbreaks of emotion, a controlling subconscious occasionally by postulating it existsbelow the levelof conscious structures which, although awareness, actually and behavior in lightof its recording of all past experience. feeling, thought Thus, 1 consciousness becomesone organofperception, thantheorgan ofperception. rather " In his Introductory LecturesFreuddesignates as 'unconscious' anymental of whichwe are obligedto assume-because, forinstance, we processthe existence infer it in someway from its effects-but of whichwe arenot directly Reaware."2 vealedin conscious lifeas neurotic and so forth, errors, dreams, symptoms, laughter No 13, 1976 Sub-Stance 91

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these "effects" have traditionally been considered accidental or irrational, absurd, behavior. of Freud the such behavior, unexplainable By explaining meaning proposed a logicof theirrational, thesubconscious force which as a unifying underlies depicting and between the unconscious connection and apparent diversity, providing continuity consciousself,explaining and deed,elucidating the unseenlinksbetweendesire the between internal andexternal realities. rapports In orderto understand theFreudian viewof thepsychodynamics oflaughter, one mustlook specifically at the basic emotional natureof subconscious structure and preconscious). Freud'srejection of a car(made up of unconscious Reiterating tesianoppositionof emotionto reason,Arthur Koestler pointsout that although thought belongsto brain cells, emotioncombinesthought (memory)and physio3 Viewingthought as encompassed and emotionas logical reactions. by emotion, a complexof tensions, it follows thatwe, whoareourthoughts and feelings, embody tension.4Insofar as works of artare depictions of humanthoughts it is and feelings, not surprising thatvariouscritics have called attention to the element of tension in all thearts, bothin form andcontent. thespecific causesofthevarious tenAlthough sionsareuniqueto eachperson andculture, thefundamental tensions conform to such of reaction as tearsor laughter; certain commonly recognizable thus, patterns literary works basictensions in genre suchas thecomicor tragic, thusobjectiexpress patterns thesubjective. fying the psychodynamics of tension in terms of of a primary Describing language unconsciousinstinctwhich generates Freud instincts psychicenergy, represents as impersonal, indestructible withno unified ambivalent, will, bodilyforces (energy) whichforcetheir or he was concerned way toward pleasure power.Although initially withtheantagonism sexual(libidinous) between and ego (self-preservation) instincts, Freudlaterincludedin the conceptof instinct, individual drives and the "cosmic" instincts of Eros and Thanatos(warfare betweeneroticand aggressive instincts)5 whatever view one takesof instinct, one mustsee it as inherently However, characterized to its desire for and and thus by tension. Striving gratify pleasure power the demands of as well as the against straining repressive culture, against equally demands of otherinstincts, theunconscious, in terms structured ofinstinct, repressive carries with an it not of of but paradoxically implication, only will, resistance, thereby theground forconflict andcontradiction continually preparing (Rieff, 35). Thus,one can see in Freud'sportrayal of theunconscious, the framework of theoriginal ambivalenceof humanemotions in their structural do battle the with which, essence, very forces ofcivilization andthedenials oftheconscious mind. Carriedinto consciousness as somaticdemandsupon mentallife,psychic exists at all times in variable amounts which arenormally usedeither energy (instinct) to defendagainst certain and sublimation and thoughts feelings, through repression, so forth, or to analyze(understand) or or to situations, people information, convey or sympathy. In laughter, is not channeled intothe anticiempathy psychic energy or sympathy; patedworkof defense, a surprising event thwarts understanding rather, one's sense of logic or continuity, whichwe call endingin the releaseof tension

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ariseswhen the sum of psychic used forthe laughter. "laughter formerly energy, of certain has become unutilizable so that it can experichannels, occupation psychic 6 Wit,or thecomic,or humor, ence freedischarge." the transference prevent normal of energy fromone path to another, thusproducing an automatic laughter through which is made conscious attention at one's physiological process possible by keeping a distance In other one a or or word (Freud,738-39). words, perceives situation, idea, in two self-consistent but habitually of reference frames or matrices, incompatible a matrix defined as habit or of ordered behavior skill, being "any ability, anypattern a of 'code' fixed rules" When some showsa governed by (Koestler, 38). "insight" familiar idea or use of language in a newlight, whena pattern ofimagined situation, two previously unconnected of experience matrices are connected logic is disrupted, and theresponse is either a collision of thematrices in or fusion ending laughter their in tragic or a newintellectual catharsis synthesis (Koestler, 45). In orderto understand use oflanguage, whyan unexpected logicor affect may a in reaction the unconscious of domain one's trigger repressed admitting memlories, themto conscious life through a rechanneling of psychic knownas laughter, energy one mustlook at the specifickindsof feelings involved. Fallinginto two general emotionalcontexts, the variedfeelings whichelicitlaughter tend to belongto a self-assertive of emotions. The first kindof laughter, whichis not greatly category discussed becauseit does not seemmysterious, denotes either the by critics, perhaps of some fear(de-tension, removal whichraisesgeneral relief)or a suddenpleasure vitalfeelings suchas joy or saturation ofpleasure. The tone,thusmanifesting feeling secondkindof laughter is a reaction to feelings which makeone uncomfortable and have thusbeen repressed attributed to thisclass of (censored)fromconsciousness: whichone maycall aggressive/defensive are feelemotions, (as well as self-assertive), and superiority. Sinceemoingsof indiscretion, degradation, incongruity, aggression tionaldiscomfort oftenrevolves aroundsexualand aggressive muchlaughter feelings, is an admission of relatedtensions. all individuals And,sincein Freudian thought, both have and hide varying of sexual and aggressive whena verbal degrees feelings, breaksthrough the barrier of repression, tension joke or comicincongruity psychic is dissipated; thus. is a bodilyreaction to stresses (instinctual conflict) viewed, laughter even animalnature placed on man'sphysical, by the social demandsto denyor at least curbthatverynature and thereby as a safety serves valveforthereleaseof rediscomfort and aggression, common to all andinherently to psycho/ pressed necessary violenthostility, 8 "Law prohibits Tout comprendre, physical/social well-being. robsus ofthecapacity to becomeangry. Verbal invective defeats c'est toutpardonner ourenemy by. ..laughter" (Freud, 697-98). In his extensive for analysisof wit,Freudlays the theoretical groundwork his analysis of all laughter-producing situations. before at However, looking specific characteristics of wit, one mustnote that"wit" is used in thisstudy in the senseof wit-work or thatuse of words(such as joke, pun,witticism) which a comic produces effect. out that some wittycreations are funny becauseof their Pointing emphasis on form and others becauseof emphasis on content (word-wit) Freud (thought-wit),

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the finalinseparability of form and content:although word-wit stresses, however, is primary is in the first the naked for form is the which percep("it place, responsible in thefinalanalysis, makesuse of content tionof wit" (Freud,640), wit-work, byits fromnormalthought, varioustechniques such as displaceverydeviation through withor without substitutive formation ment,condensation modification, formation, of mixed words,ambiguity, the opposite, doublemeaning, representation through indirect The nonsense, omission, faulty thinking. expression, comparison, sophistic to deflectword and thought a thus,achieving techniquesfunction expectations, effect which results in laughter. surprise To understand the psychodynamics of wittechniques one must (formation), look at technique in connection withtendencies which andinteract with the underlie word distortion. "It is easy to guessthe character of the witticism by the kindof reactionthat wit exertson the hearer"(Freud,688).Sometimes wit is wit forits own sake and serves no otherpurpose(abstract or harmless wit);whennot used as a meansto its own end, wit places itself in the service or of a tendency (tendency harmful wit), expressing hostility (aggression, defense)or obscenesexualexhibition witis tendency onemaythink itsprimary (Freud,693). Sincemuch related, (harmful) is to avoidinstinctual/cultural function wouldthen however, laughter pain andstress: be lacking in the connotation of freedom and funwhichis itshallmark. So, one is not surprised when Freud pointsout that the essentialpsychological function of is to gainpleasure. of wit to wit,Freudsays,"The psychogenesis laughter Referring has taught us that the pleasure of wit arisesfrom or from theliberation word-play of nonsense, and that the senseof wit is meantonlyto guardthispleasure against reason"(Freud,721). Suchpleasure, in terms ofthepsychodynasuppression through micsinvolved, is derived from an economyof psychic in wit thereis expenditure: of inhibition or suppression, whilethecomicis characeconomyin the expenditure terizedby an economy in theexpenditure of thought in and humor by an economy of feeling the expenditure is usually channeled which (Freud,712).9 Thus,energy into theworkof logic,propriety or sympathy is sidetracked, and,thereby, surprised in an economy of investment in emotional/mental effort released, suddenly resulting a return to a primary, of of instinct. the With overthrow through symbolic language criticalreason,the rulesof language, and culture are the removed, logic liberating ofplayandtheabsurd. spirit In further of thejoy acquiredfrom Freudpointsout explanation laughing, that the pleasure is (re)gained forthe laugher at no intentional cost or purposeful and free of pleasure which is, thus,a spontaneous economyof energy. Laughter gift occurswhenconscious is in the unconscious, perception momentarily dipped releasing fromits civilized, rationalefforts. To illustrate thispoint,a brief psychicenergy of a famous been sexually rebuffed analysis literary joke mayprovehelpful. Having of one the of ladies Rabelais's seeks in Church where by Paris, great Panurge revenge 'A she is preparing to hear Mass. "Equivoquez sur Beaumontle Viconte',"says 10 Sincethelady does not understand thejoke, Panurge Panurge. gleefully explains: "C'est (dist il), 'A beau con le vit monte' " (Pantagruel, 329). If one is not too

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derives froman economyin inhibition offended (defended)to laugh,his laughter whichpermits himto rebelagainst the authorities demand of sexual which repression andrecogniand aggressive instincts. both discomfort conflict) (instinctual Expressing Freudsays, one's own asocial impulses. In explanation tion,laughter acknowledges us the us to makeour enemy "Witpermits ridiculous. .. in other wit affords words, meansof surmounting restrictions and of opening inaccessible pleasure up otherwise his sexual sources"(Freud, 698). Through his joke Panurge has both sublimated for the desireand aggressively thus creating punishedthe lady for her rejection, in theinhibition has now become listener a contextin which"the cathexis utilized idea cameintoexistence and neutralized becausea forbidden by way of superfluous and is thus readyto be discharged (Freud, through laughter" auditory perception 735). Freud'sstatedgoal of finding in thevariety oftechniques which maybe unity used to createwitis achieved from hisdiscovery of thepleasure obtained the through and For uses between the interplay techniques technique tendency. example, Panurge of condensation with mixedwordformation of order, through double-meaning change and ambiguity; the underlying is a desireforeconomyof expenditure of tendency inhibition and repression of hostile and to the the use wish ( by-pass censor)through ofword obscenewords.The combined effect results in a return to childhood freedom thus about the from play (technique), by brought authority (tendency), reprieve in the Such freedom caused is by smutty culminating pleasure. (pleasure) frequently of a person of the oppositesex toward whomthe joke which"is like a denudation of obscene wordsthe personattacked is the utterance Through joke is directed. forcedto picture the partsof thebodyin question, or thesexualact, and is shown thattheaggressor himself thesamething ... One of theprimitive pictures components of ourlibidois the desireto see the sexualexposed. . ..It thegratifi. makes possible cationof a craving or a hindrance stands in the which (lewd hostile)despite way;it eludesthehindrance andthusderives and 694 pleasure" (Freud, 696). In his extensiveanalysisof wit or verbalsituations whichelicitlaughter, Freudcompares wit-work and dream-work, thatin dreams, as inwit-related indicating the of restrictions "Wit adulthood and are laughter, civilizaiton, rationality abolished. is the best safety valve modernman has evolved;the morecivilization, the more themoreneed there is for civilized wit.Onlyrelatively repression, peoplehavea sense of humor.The child and the trueprimitive showno such mechanisms. The child likethe savageis stillnatural and frank. When thechildbegins to dream, which shows thatrepressive forces are already at work, he also showsthebeginnings of a senseof humor."11Thus,a release ofunconscious in dream material andwitpoints thewayto theirstrucutral Dreamsare formed similarities. whena similarity of objects(represented in theunconscious) or of word-presentations in thepreconscious) (represented between two elements of theunconscious is takenas a cause fortheformamaterial tionof a third; the compromise in the conscious remembered is the formation, state, dream.In wit-work a preconscious is left for a momentto unconscious thought elaboration and the results are grasped by conscious (Freud,750). Since perception

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it followsthatdreamand wit use some of the same similar, they are formatively the majorones beingcondensation and displacement (distorted psychictechniques, in speechas thebeginning of their or contaminations logic) whichtakesubstitutions work."12 The "mistake" thustriggering two incompatible matrices brings together, of a "new" representation of reality the formation whichappears, as a condensation an of experience, emotion in a single of images, or fantasy, or series telling thought, or fiveseconds.Thus,wituses condensation in its striving epic storyin fiveminutes forthe shortest of being to thecondition easily thereby adhering possible expression, conscious reasonoffwhich throws in orderto achieve understood the surprise effect of condensation or displacement, guard (Freud,738). Purposely usingthetechniques of meaning, ofwit orimpropriety, thecreator nonsense substitution, through twisting hooks the listener(s) at thelevelof the subconscious, and thus a repression undoing the freedom of play and absurdity in feeling an elevation tone. affording through of verbalhumordoes not laughbecausehe achieves the creator the Paradoxically, inhibitions his thelaugher samepleasure afforded his own and by illogical byundoing use oflanguage. Freudspeaksmostlyof wit in his analysis he also deof laughter, Although scribesa secondsourcewhichhe calls the comic.Whileitsorigin be may linguistic or visual,its effect in of a disproportion comesfrom a suddenconscious perception mental or physical a of or that the or actions effort, recognition appearance something someoneelse are immoderate and inappropriate. to the Thus,whilewit is limited confines milieuand a first of a linguistic comic has sources the wide creator, person or origination such as motion, caricature, mimicry, exaggeraunmasking, repetition, of an tion and so forth. calls foran intellectual Also,whilewit-activity appreciation use of language, intentional the comic comessuddenly to one's and unexpectedly an image of incongruity. Freud says we laugh at the comic attention, conveying "becausewe compare themotions in others observed withthosewhichwe ourselves shouldproduceif we werein theirplace. . . . The comic foundin themental and attributes of another is a the result of psychic person apparently again comparison betweenhim and my own ego. Thus the object personbecomescomicthrough his in with inhis or inferiority comparison my momentary momentary superiority, in Exwith his 769 and feriority comparison ordinary superiority" 772). (Freud, thatone laughsat thehuman whenit is deflected toward plaining Bergson's theory the mechanical or inanimate, Freudsaysthatwe are taught to expect by experience thatall people are different and demand someexpenditure from our understanding. Whenwe see this not so we are disappointed but in giving no new expenditures, relieved and the superfluous of understanding is discharged in laughter expenditure (Freud,783). thatthenature of thecomicis foundin thepreconscious associaConcluding tionof theinfantile, Freudfinds thatcomicpleasure is connected to withcomparison in the rulesof civilizaiton the childwho is yet unschooled (language, logicand proselfandother other where seemsa child(inferior) andself Thus,one compares priety). is adult(superior); the otherwherehe putshimself within on thelevel comparison

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of a child;comparison one's selfwhereone releases within thechildin oneself. More various of the sources of the characteristics comic relate to different the specifically, child.For example, in thecomicof movement, one makes basedon the a comparison inferior of the child.In the comic of situation, physicaldevelopment degradation, or imitation one compares withtheembarrassment and helpcaricature, unmasking, lessness ofthechild.In repetition, or imitation the adult himself exaggeration degrades the level of to the comic child. And in the of (or other) helpless playful, expectation one encounters the gullibility of the child.13However, whereas thecomicrelieson in a way that relatesto the infantile wit recomparison prelogic), (pre-socialized, lates to the infantile medium of the from the through pleasuregained language. Childish word play and repetition is prohibited by reasonand adult expectations; on intellectual witrelies or farcical thepleasurable cleverness to re-open thus, vulgarity channels use ofwords. ofnonsense ofthecomic.Illustrating Lookingagainto Rabelais,one finds manyexamples thecomicof character, is funny, in part, becauseoftheincongruity between Panurge his image of himself as omnipotent to put his (superior, adult) and his incapacity boastsintoaction(inferior, he brags abouthisstupendous child).Although endlessly sexual prowess, when he is sexuallyrebuffed by the lady of Paris,he ultimately runsawayforfearof a beating of thechild)(Pantaand embarrassment (helplessness is also an agent comicsituations. ofmany comic, gruel, 331). As well as being Panurge In chapter xix of Pantagruel uses silly, tricks farcical to winthedebatewith Panurge the famous Thaumaste. likesmallchildren noisesandgestures scholar, English Making at play, thesetwo adultsappearin a mosthumorous The incongruity between light. of what a seriousintellectual debateshouldbe and theactuality one's expectation of the farceportrayed In another elicitlaughter. comic by two adultswillprobably situation sewsa priest's Massbefore the alb ontohis gownand shirt. Panurge Saying of thecourt, thepriest his alb and unknowingly removes himself disrobes gentlemen becausehe altogether (Pantagruel, 304). The spectator maylaughat theincongruity is superior like the priest(inferior, (adult), not subjectto ridicule child);thus,one thepriest ofridicule) for out thevaried andfanpunishes (aggression pointing feelings tasiesone has about one's sexualself.And,in thiscomicinstance ofdegradation and one laughs, not onlythrough to thehelplessness and embarunmasking, comparison rassment ofthechild, butalso from thesheer ofseeing God,Father aggressive pleasure andSocietydebunked in oneblow. much of literature containslinguistic and comic humor, such inAlthough stancesdo not make the author a humorist. In Freud'sview,a humorist is one who weavesa totalvisionof reality, a philosophy of life,which the advocates consciously use of humor as the onlyviablerouteto finding and while admitequilibrium vitality routeis chosenin order to detonate His artdepicts tingthatthisparticular suffering. a new worldcreatedin and of therealworld, a worldwhere lifeis affirmed against deathand dying; mustappealto his reader's to smileand thus,the humorist ability must laugh,mustprovidethe arenafora releaseof aggressive, emotion, repressed make a philosophical statement about the survival value of metamorphosing tears

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humor a disdain of withintolaughter. a failure of repression, Ultimately, represents theideasconnected from conscious attention with affect drawing (Freud,802). painful affects which "Humoris thusa means to gainpleasure thepainful disturb it; it despite actsas a substitute of anger, forthisaffective symfeelings developmentemotional and so forth andtakesitsplace" (Freud,797). Thus,thehumorist pathy, compassion a situation whichcould be painful, but whichinstead losesits gravity, by depicting actsas a kindof parental hisreaders to be tolerarnt andwise,assuring striving figure, is not so terrible thatreality himself an attitude toward in afterall, thereby adopting order to wardoff possible suffering.14 humor localization withwit or thecomic,its psychic Although maybe fused is thesameas thatof thecomic,thepreconscious; it is morefrequently consequently associated withthe comicthanwithwit.It differs, from wit andthecomic however, in withdrawing fromthe affect in a creation partof its energy resulting (conflict), whichtakes its pleasurefromsmiling undertears(Freud,801). Humor, then,is a comicpose consciously forviewing theworldas well as a defense adaptedas a filter humorist for copingwith that world. Once more,Rabelais,literary par excellence, an example: "Je suys, moiennant un peu de Pantagruelisme provides (vous entendez conficte en mespris des chosefortuites, sainet deque c'est certaine gayet6d'esprit a boire si gourt; prest voulez)".15 In concluding this discussion of of Freud's theoryof the psychodynamics one find more cannot words to describe the of than laughter, apt significance laughter thoseof Freud. Referring to wit,the comicand humor, he says, all three strive to back from the a in the which has been lost bring psychicactivity pleasure really of thisactivity. "For theeuphoria is which we arethusstriving to obtain development the of but state a in which we our wont to were time, nothing bygone defray psychic workwithslight It is the stateof our childhood in which we did not expenditure. knowthe comic,wereincapable of wit and did not needhumor to makeus happy" (Freud,803). In orderto analyzelaughter in termsof JacquesLacan's interpretation of one must first at look oftheunconscious for Freud, closely Lacan'slinguistic analysis suchtheory is intricately related to laughter in thesensethatthemedium of comedy is words(wit) or word images(the comic,humor).WhileLacan does not address himself to theproblem of laughter, he draws attention to Freud'sanalysis specifically of language in wordassociation, witand dreams, that slipsof thetongue, suggesting Freudwas concerned with thestructure ofthelanguage of theunconscious uncovering one must remember thatdespite Freud'sattention (The Structuralists, xviii).However, to language, his essay on "Wit"viewsthe unconscious in terms of instinct theory. it is theissueof how theunconscious is structured leadsLacanto which Nonetheless, withthe idea of innateor maturing Lacan Freud;disagreeing re-interpret instincts, to view the unconscious as subjective and symbolic.16 that chooses,rather, Insisting is formed in terms of subjective/symbolic of man'smentalapparatus representations and thatthekeyto theunconscious on itsbeing seenandanalyzed language depends as a languagesystem,Lacan attacksthe supposedly causal relationship between

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and language ofmarkers withits usualimplication is a system thatlanguage "reality" whichhidesmeaning or standsas a screen between themindand reality andis,thus, 17 Whereas subordinate to "reality." view of languageassumes that a traditional whether the purposeof wordsis to inform, or persuade, communicate the words in the rational, consciousmind,remaining staticand subject to originate essentially the mechanics of articulation and timein a nonessential way (Wilden,164), Lacan viewslanguage as originating in theunconscious structured whichis correspondingly likelanguage itself. is thesame Lacan'sprimary oftheunconscious Although language as Freud'sin thatit has the sameaffect, the samedefensive of repression, properties itself whenconsciousreasonis thrown offdenial,etc., the same ways of revealing his view of how theunconscious is structured he attributes thecause guard, differs; of primary tensions to the initialprocess of identification rather thanto instinctual conflict. Lacan describes two primary sourcesof formation: forperceptheparadigm tionof self(identity) and a network of symbolic or Although representations figures. thesesources aredynamically one willlook first at the original inter-related, paradigm foridentity. A child'sfirst of a relationship is in terms of a relationto self perception root of all lateridentifications, the conceptof a ship to "others"(stadedu miroir); the he is and child's realization that there in a mirror when "self"is marked by looking when the is mirror This is and gone gone (Fort/Da). curiosity paralleled physical or absenceof theprimary "other"(usuallythe repeated by the presence significant the outside order of the in need of something from Mother). Beginning language, child, the other(food, attention and so forth) himself constructs foran-other in orderto fillhislack; thatis, he actsin a way to geta response from the other, to obtainthe which assures him of a "self." his the child established presence Thus, having (being) in of terms a basic dialectic of desire fulfilland identity (conscious/unconscious) ment.Seekingto perpetuate his being,the childlearnsthe unity,whichvalidates affectand laterwords)whichwill supplya presence language(behavior, (Mother) whenhe feelslack (absence,need). Thus,theprimary of "Whoam I?" can question be answered"Another," in the sense thatone's identity, one's initiallanguage of is the discourse both permitted and conveyedby the other(Wilden, perception, of the unconscious, man's desirefinds 167-68). Because of this initialstructuring its meaning in the desire(word) of the other, not so muchbecausethe other holds thekey to theobjectdesired, as becausethe first is to be recognized objectof desire one's selfconceptmotivates and governs by the other(Lacan, 31). In thiscontext, the emotional desire behind one's use of language. A word, one's words,unmasking becomes an evocation, a movement toward fulfillment ofsymbolic thus, lack;language to establish functions and to mediate selfand others.18This between relationships the condition whichmakesit possible to discover a person's in the "truth" is, then, linearmovement of his discourse, wherea wordis a signifier for,as well as of,since all relationships, and so forth willeventually be represented at thislevelof fantasies, dialectical meaning (Wilden, 163-64).

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Whilethe "discourse of theother" is a uniquely feature oftheunconpersonal Lacanpostulates a lesspersonal made of the oftradition, scious, structure, up language and in the unconscious as which culture, myth expressed symbolic may be figures described as condensed ofword(and affect) inner of memories, images representations residuesof seeingand hearing the word (Wollheim, 191). WhileFreud supposeda between theword,theimageand thething discontinuity (Wilden, 238), Lacanfound theseto be continuous like havetheprostructures, itself, which, language signifiers of possiblearticulation andwhich on meaning perty anticipate (Wilden, 295). In other are originally in terms structured of wordrepresentawords, images, things, feelings tionsand memory and obtaintheir from theunconscious affect meaning (desire/lack) behind them.In thissense, wordsseenas articulatable havethesamestrucsignifiers turalcharacteristics as the unconscious, order.'L'homme parle primary symbolic a merging of donc,maisc'est parceque le symbole l'a faithomme."19 Thus,through the language of identity and sym(selfdevelopedthrough primary objectrelations) bolic representations of linguistic one is able to generate and structure "realforms, is seen to precedeperception and orderit. ity"; the languageof the unconscious a partir de Freud,est une chainede signifiants "L'inconscient, que quelquepart.., se dans les coupuresque lui offre le discours effectif pour interf6rer r6peteet insiste et la cogitation 20 qu'il informe." One can also view the signifier as the articulated wordwhichprecedesand determines the signified whichin turnbecomesthe hidden, unseen (unconscious), of one's words,only clearly itself whenits power behindthe movement exposing silent is transformed wit and so forth. "Thereis nothing in the language by dream, livedflux, does not present itself marked signified-the wants, pulsions-which bythe of the signifier" imprint (Wilden, 241). One mustthenconcludethatmeaning (signiis onlysustained in itsreference to another thesignification of fication) thus, signifier; the system of language itself is circular, forif a signifier to a signified, refers it can the mediation of the restof the signifying only do so through system making up language (Wilden, 240). In Freudianthought the primary and symbolic languageof condensation of logic) is revealed neurotic displacement (distortions dreams, through symptoms, and so forth, whenthe censorrelaxes, laughter ceasingto guardcivilized logicand either becauseof sleepor becausethepsyche hasencountered stress which propriety, mustbe released. of a primal of need and condensaRepresentations desire, language tion and displacement do not,however, in Freudian arisefrom a subjective thought, desire created are bythelacksof the"self";rather, they symbolic expressions, charged withtheenergy ofinstinctual conflict. In Lacan'sthought thetechniques ofcondensation and displacement can be seen as literalstatements about the personal desires if one dreams of the "wolfat the door,"he is not (lacks) of one's self.For example, a primary wishto consumeor be consumed necessarily expressing (damming up of libidinal or aggressive the dream a literal fear of loss of rather, energy); mayexpress food or work.The dreambecomesa statement of affect in thestructure of expressed

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"The structure itself a sentence. of language whichenablesus to readdreams is the ofthemeaning of dreams" very principle (Lacan,304-5).21 Beforelookingat laughter in terms of Lacan's theory whichlendsitself to thetechniques of condensation ofstyle, one must anddisplacement as figures viewing turnonce againto Freud.Dreamcondensation, to Freud,is a formation according of new unitiesor symbols to latentthought, whichgivea disguised representation creation inwit,condensaof composite and mixedimages. Likewise, through persons tionaimsat unityor fusion of as use substitutive such formations through techniques in mixed words ("famillionaire") whiledreamlanguage or modification. However, condenses elements from theunconscious in an effort to cope with and preconscious wish wit condenses conscious and fulfillment, language pain through preconscious in orderto re-experience elements stresses the pleasureof denying theunconscious and pains. Thus,both use condensation as a meansto regaina lost (or fantasized) senseofunity andwholeness. Lacan's theorylinks external deviceswith internal linguistic (unconscious) the mechanisms of condensation can be viewed and displacement ones; thus, psychic as literary and modifications, techniques. Usingmixed word images,substitutions condensation and displacement and metonymy. relateto the realmsof metaphor be seen as to in that related and metonymy can, thus, Laughter dually metaphor theirpsychiccorrelates and displacement) are used to producewit, (condensati9n the comic and humor, and also in thatlaughter of metaphor sharesthe properties andmetonymy in itsprimary function. psychological In metaphor one wordis substituted foranother, thatis one signifier (articulationor image)is takenforanother; a meaning is produced is creative which orpoetic of a new signifier forthe antici(Lacan in The Structuralists, 310). The substituion in a condensation of wordsor images, a newperception patedone results by creating the conscious orderwith the primary orderof the connecting linguistic symbolic unconscious In metonymy the partis takenforthe whole (absenceof (signified). the signified); is an unstated Thus, meaning created through by implying displacement. whole(such as "30 sails") metonymy relates to lack,whilemetaphor, by structuring a new relationship of wholeness, relatesto being;both devices, seek nonetheless, fusionof consciousand unconscious as do condensation and displacement. orders, One can now say thatlaughter is like metonymy in the sensethatit reveals thelack (repression, of childhood wholeness or thelack ofunity with the inhibition) it is likemetaphor in thatthe "new" connection original object ("other") of desire; which causes laughter undoes the repression, tension,thereby releasing restoring and fullness. is thus,a paradoxical its inherent harmony Laughter structure, deriving tension from itscombined andmetonymic metaphoric properties. In laughter, as in metaphor, the anticipated logicalsignifier (a wordor image a sense of continuity and propriety) is replaced This conveying by another signifier. of signifier creates a behavior likemetaphor, superimposition characterized, laughter, and discontinuity between theconscious and unconscious, thelogicaland by tension the absurd,secondary and primary in in as the And, laughter language. metaphor,

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result of the tension intothesignified, thereplacement is passageof signifier through of the anticipated the consciousselfhas been thrown It might, signifier; off-guard. at thispoint,provehelpful to explainPanurge's "A con beau le vit monte," joke, in metaphoric terms. One might call thejoke a metaphor of ridicule. The signifier, the joke itself, is superimposed on the logically signifier, (unexpressed) anticipated been sexuallyrebuffed of "self" by the "other"). angerat having (non-recognition into the signified of aggression and libidoor of symbolic Passing language (primary a newlink,thereby for lack), thejoke creates re-establishing Panurge ( and thelistenof wholeness release of thejoke is tension. er) a feeling Yet, through paradoxically, a displacement of anger; it is at thislevelof theuse ofwords to convey a senseofprithatone can viewlaughter in terms as well as of metonymy marylack or repression In a the of the one than rather metaphor. metonymic could, viewing analysis joke, as on consider the another signifier affect), (joke) superimposed signifier (repressed as one which refers itself in to another pun ("Beaumont") signifier juxtaposition statedsignifier, the reference to sexual desire.The unstated is theimplication term is another thatthere be in to this discovered; (a signified) meaning joke, theimplied behind the is the lack of the lack ofwholeness meaning woman, juxtaposedsignifiers lack of in self lack of the (primal unity (identity); by "other"). non-recognition the cognitive function of comedydiffers from thatof metaphor Although and metonymy, the unfamiliar and comedyredescribing the metaphor redescribing lack and wholethemeansforrestoring familiar, metonymy stating comedy providing alikein thattheunexpected linksserve functhecreative ness,theyare structurally tionof restructuring the potential foraltering perception, thereby feelings, providing attitudes and thoughts. likemetaphor and metonThus,laughter (comicmetaphor), rebels notto destroy, butto restore andfreedom norms, ymy, against aiming harmony wholeness. fusion, through through momentary In the dialectic(tension)createdby the combined of metaphor properties becomesa "natural"language, and metonymy pure repre(fullness) (lack).laughter of the emotional instinct or lack,thus sentation whichderives from energy primary on the properties of theprimary of symbol, orderor theproperties taking symbolic thatmeta-language whichbelongsto the realmof irreducible coin. One can define fromother whichis not distinguished symbolas a structure by its differentiation as is the signifier, nor can it be replacedby othersymbols symbols 232). (Wilden, the primary sourceof language"the primacy is thatit of the symbolic Providing ofreality makesthe ordering it provides andconstitutes at thesametime that possible the 'real' referents which areerroneously to 'cause'language" 226). (Wilden, supposed is a meta-signifier, like symbol, a "natural"language, non-commutable, Laughter, much like the languageof gesture. As a "natural"language, revealsthe laughter "truth"of the subconscious subthefullwordof thesubjective domain,conveying thelanguage of Lacan'smoi,thatalienated conscious,thusspeaking partof the self whichcannot but revealthe "truth"of one's mostbasic reality. to the Belonging domainof satireand rebellion, to thewishto regain le perduby subverting selfand is a rebellion the empty wordspokenby the social,logical society, laughter against

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thecensorof culture, self,Lacan'sje. Thus,whenone laughs, superego overthrowing or unconscious "other" dicta of significant one "others," expelsthe authoritarian authentic free, whole, (themoi), (the e), becoming in relating thisdiscussion of laughter one might to literary comedy, Finally, viewcomic elements in a workas linkswithin structure an inter-related (the work): these links andcultural Viewedas a reaction connect meaning. linguistic, psychological to linguistically of orderedperceptions, can, thus,be discussedin terms laughter When the linse reversal so and per (condensation, forth). technique displacement, guistictechniqueis relatedto the underlying signification), tendency (or intended the becomesa transformation link betweensecondary and primary orders, laughter a realm of of from the thusentering consciousness, psychosignifier signified repressed inthe wheresymbol, and metonymy findtheir correlates logicalstructure, metaphor one humanpsyche.Joining these structures of laughter, to the cognitive function of a colenters the domainof cultural is themanifestation wherelaughter meaning lisionpointbetweenthe logical,appropriate of theculture values, (norms, language Ulof desireand tension. mores)and the subjective, sociallyinappropriate language thesestructures forma plurivalent network of relations between timately, signifiers and signifieds whereone structure has meaning only in termsof (word/symbol), another(one signifier thusforming the wholewhichis alwaysrelatesto another), thetext. Since the psychodynamics in structuring involved a work(and correspondingly in responding to it) involve thetemporal and commutable) (diachronic, metaphoric, theuniversal is created. a dynamic dialectic (synchronic, symbolic, non-commutable), More specifically, the comic dialectic is made up of elements whose (or structures) wordscorrespond to the techniques and tendencies thatis, to underlying laughter, the wish to afford releasefromrepression, to createwholeness out of lack. One can finally, sense of a logic of laughter, which then,speak in an epistemological connects internal and external man andtext,andthus, reaffirms thedepth structures, of writers whosegenius has always underperceptions openedthewayto an intuitive ofthelanguage oflaughter. standing of Illinois at Chicago Circle University

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NOTES

1.

Freud distinguishes betweenthe preconscious and (realmof ordinary memory, language to the infantile) and the unconscious association order of instinctual conflict and (primary is notrecognizable in conscious initseffects). lifeexcept Thecomwhich memory symbolic between subconscious binedareasare calledthesubconscious. Lacan'sdistinction andunconandunconscious, to Freud'sdistinction subconscious sciousis similar between preconscious to Freud'spreconscious and unconscious to Freud'sunconscious. Lacan, Quoting relating Wilden a reservoir of memories and images Anthony pointsout that "The subconscious, of eachlife, ofmemory. Atthesametime in thecourse becomes a simple as collected aspect it affirms its lasting it implies itsownlimitations, since'subconscious' refers to the nature, theunconfactthat arenotalways available. On theother hand, memories, retained, although itself sciousis always limits to the . . .. organ of a specific theunconscious function, empty; of structural whichcomefrom elsewhere: laws. . . on unarticulated elements imposition memories. One could therefore emotions, pulsions, say thatthe subconrepresentations, sciousis theindividual ourselves lexicon where for and vocabulary onlyacquires signification, forothers, in so faras theunconscious to thelawsoftheunconscious, itaccording organizes and thusmakesof it a discourse. . . . The vocabulary is lessimportant thanthestructure" in Psychoanalysis, (JacquesLacan, The Languageof theSelf: The Function of Language trans. withnotesand commentary theJohns Wilden Press, by Anthony (Baltimore: Hopkins 1968),pp. 250-51. In thisstudy, or the discussion unconscious of Freudian willuse preconscious, theory subconscious to his to Freud'susage.The discussion of Lacan'stheory willrefer according in sinceit is the primary function whichis of interest conceptof unconscious structuring thisstudy. Freud: TheMindof theMoralist & Co., Inc., 1961), PhilipRieff, (New York: Doubleday p. 35. In 1894 Freuddefined emotion as psychic conscious thathas beenrepressed from energy a "sumof excitation. .. having all theattributes ofa quantity-although wepossess memory, no meansof measuring it-a something which is capableof increase, decrease, displacement and discharge, and whichextends itself overthememory-traces of an idea likean electric overthesurface ofthebody(Rieff, charge 20). Arthur in his book TheAct of Creation, of Koestler, givesa physiological description emotion. Ifone looksat thinking that onelearns justinitsphysiological saysKoestler, aspect, it is based on electrochemical activities in the cerebral of the and related cortex regions the energy transactions involved in thought to the are minute brain;however, compared massive and muscular thatoccurwhenemotions are aroused. visceral, glandular, changes Arthur TheActof Creation Koestler, (NewYork:DellPublishing Co., Inc.,1967),pp. 56-57. of theemotions as thebasicorganizing inall thearts, that thearts Speaking principle stating exhibit an interplay of "tensions," Suzanne that"feeling and emotion Langer hypothesizes are reallycomplexes of tension."SuzanneLanger, of Art Feelingand Form: A Theory Scribner's is thepersoni(New York: Charles Sons,1953), p. 74. Andlaughter, saysLanger, ofemotional fication feeling. 340). (Langer, Erosand Civilization: A Philosophical intoFreud Rieff, p. 31 and Herbert Marcuse, Inquiry (NewYork:Vintage Books,1962),p. 21.

2. 3.

4.

5.

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to theUnconscious," anded. with Dr. A. A. "Wit anditsRelation trans. Freud, intro., Sigmund Freud(NewYork:The Modern Brill, Library, of Sigmund pp. 633-803in TheBasic Writings Random House,Inc.,1938),p. 733. Koestler to thebestof myknowledge, and contorthegrimaces quotesFreud: " 'According of the mouththatcharacterize tionsof the corners in thesatisfied and laughter appearfirst over-satiated whenhe drowsily nursling quitsthebreast.. . . Theyare physical expressions of thedetermination to takeno more a "more an "enough" so to speak, orrather nourishment, between thesmile-that basicphenomenon itssubsequent connection laughter-and underlying " TheAct of Creation, with other ofde-tension.' pleasurable processes p. 59.
than enough" . . . . This primal sense of pleasurable saturationmay have providedthe link

7.

8.

It must be stressed itis notthefact that ofhaving hostile or sexual that causes laughter, feelings ofgiven but thatsomeaspect ofthese ordenied interms must be repressed, sublimated feelings socialdicta. * Thecomic willbe distinguished from witat a later in thepaper. andhumor point

9.

10. Rabelais, vol.I, ed., Pierre Jourda Oeuvrescompletes, Garnier Pantagruel, (Paris:Editions Freres, 1962),p. 329. 11. Richard Wollheim, 1971), Freud,ed., FrankKermode (NewYork:TheViking Press, Sigmund p. 21. 12. The Structuralists: Marxto Livi-Strauss, andF. M. ed.,withintro. from by R. T. De George De George & Co., Inc.,1972),p. 35. (NewYork:Doubleday 13. In his customary the humble manner Freudsays,"I am unableto decidewhether questing, to thelevelof thechildis onlya special orwhether caseofcomic everylowering degradation, to the levelof the child"(769). thingcomicalfundamentally dependson the degradation 14. Sigmund V (Toronto: Freud,"Humour," ed.,James pp. 215-221in Collected Papers, Strachey, Irwin andCo., Ltd.,1950),pp. 218-19. Clarke, 15. Rabelais, Le Quart Oeuvres Jourda Editions Livre, Garnier (Paris: compltes,vol.II, ed.,Pierre Freres, 1962),pp. 11-12. 16. Jacques inPsychoanalysis, trans. Lacan,TheLanguage of theSelf. TheFunction of Language withnotesand commentary The Johns Wilden (Baltimore: by Anthony Press, 1968), Hopkins pp. 25-26. 17. Anthony "Lacan and theDiscourse oftheOther," in TheLanguage Wilden, of the pp. 159-311 be helpful to add a notehereon Lacan'sviewoflanguage as an Self (Lacan),p. 226. It might instrument of "unmasking." To the contrary, suchas Foucault, contemporary philosophers see wordsas signifying thattheyare nothing but eessential Derrida Jacques interpretations. as representations viewswords of presence in itsabsence. When one cannot holdor showthe thenone signifies a detour of signs, thesign(word)becoming a dething, by goingthrough ferred One might well conclude thatifwords haveno inherent valueother thanas presence. or replacements, substitutes thenit is reasonable to viewtheword as screen, instrument mask, ofdeception andeven destruction. Lacantakes oflanguage thesame view as Foucault Although

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and Derrida in the sensethatlanguage absence(Foucault'snothingness; Derrida's replaces itsexplaof suchphenomenon, Lacan'sdeathor void),hisinterpretation diff6rance; seeking nation ina Freudian ofhuman view is inseparable from thus human emotion, nature, avoiding the pitfall whichleavesFoucaultand Derrida withthedeathof manand thedisconnected word.

18. Since primordial all speechis an affective toward the movement unityis neverregained, lackofa fixed (metonymic movement). point I (Paris: 19. Jacques Ecrits Editions du Seuil,1966),p. 155. Lacan, 20. Jacques II (Paris: du Seuil,1971),p. 158. Ecrits Editions Lacan, 21. Jacques of theLetter intheUnconscious," Lacan,"The Insistence pp. 287-323in TheStructuralists, pp. 304-5. 22. Theseformulae forviewing the structure of metaphor and metonymy mayprove helpful: of signifier)metaphor S' (superimposition s (signified) = S. . . . S (juxtaposition ofsignifiers) = metonymy s (signified) In each case laughter is the connecting thebar,which relates lanlink, (secondary signifier to signified guage) (primary language).

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