Comedy of humours

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Comedy of Humours is a type of comedy that focuses on characters who are ruled by a single dominant personality trait or "humour." This style was popular in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, especially in the plays of Ben Jonson. The idea comes from an old medical theory that human behavior is controlled by four bodily fluids (humours): blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

Main Features of Comedy of Humours:

  1. Exaggerated Characters – Each character has one extreme personality trait (e.g., greed, jealousy, or arrogance).
  2. Satirical Tone – The plays make fun of people's foolish behaviors and society’s flaws.
  3. Moral Lessons – The story often teaches a lesson by showing the bad effects of extreme behavior.
  4. Funny Situations – The humor comes from characters acting foolishly due to their "humour."
  5. Stock Characters – Common types include the greedy old man, the jealous lover, and the boastful soldier.

Examples of Comedy of Humours:

  • "Every Man in His Humour" by Ben Jonson – Each character is controlled by a single personality trait.
  • "Volpone" by Ben Jonson – A satire about greed and deception.
  • "The Alchemist" by Ben Jonson – A play mocking people's obsession with wealth.

This type of comedy influenced later playwrights and can still be seen in modern comedy, where characters have exaggerated personalities (like Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice or Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory).



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