Wit and Humour in Lynd's essay
As a humourist, Lynd occupies an eminent place among the writers of English prose. His essays are playful, humorous, satirical and thoughtful and are written in a polished style. Humour is "the kindly amused contemplation of the incongruities of life, and the expression there of in literature."
The essence of humour is contrast, the contrast between what actually is, and what ought to be. Mention can be made of his essays On Not being a Philosopher which is full of humorous touches. In his humorous mood the writer does not spare even himself. Here are a few examples from this essay illustrating Lynd's great capacity for humour.
"I desire wisdom as keenly as solomor did but it must be wisdom that can be obtained with very little effort wisdom that can be caught almost by infection.
Lynd's essay are replete with humour, wit and satire. In other words human follies, frivolities, vantites, affectations, self-deceptions, provide ample material for the humorist. Another mention can be made of his esay On Not Being A Philosopher, which is remarkable for his humour and wit. An example can be given which bring to our mind that Lynd is a humourist to the backbone.
"Just as get eggs from the farmer, apples from the fruit grower, medicines from the chemist, so do I expect the philosopher to provide me with wisdom at the cost of a few shillings," sound though I am as an armchair philosopher, at a crisis I find that both the spirit and the flesh are weak."
In conclusion it can be said that Lynd, being the master of English prosestyle, succeeds in conveying his own amusement to his readers. His essays are "at once the most exciting and the most soothing" piece of prose. His essays are highly delightful. Due this reason Lynd has been regarded as one of the greatest humorists in the English language.
