"Zisca's drumme": Humor as antidote in Robert Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"

Barbara Hart Dixon, Purdue University

Abstract

This thesis argues that humor is a central structuring agent in the Anatomy. The stage for humor is set with Burton's decision to use Democritus Junior as his persona in the preface to the Anatomy, "Democritus Junior to the Reader." This placement filters the reader's responses through an ever-present comic lens. Humor is analyzed in relation to the three most prevalent theories of humor production: incongruity, hostility, and release from cultural taboos. Rather than claiming that any of these theories adequately describes Burton's humor, the author uses Victor Raskin's script opposition theory to demonstrate that all can be accommodated within this semantic method. Additionally, the thesis analyzes the important role repetition plays in the Anatomy. Although repetition in the work does not guarantee humor, repetition at all levels enhances comic enjoyment. Burton's utopic section exemplifies one of the most playful segments of Burton's prose. The "poeticall commonwealth" that Burton constructs is itself a joke on the reader who is led to expect conclusions, but instead meets equivocation and contradiction. Humor is an important way that Burton achieves his purpose in the Anatomy: the banishment of melancholy. He uses humor to teach his readers to recognize the folly in the world and react as Democritus Junior suggests: with laughter.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Lein, Purdue University.

Subject Area

British and Irish literature

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