An Essay towards Fixing the True Standards of Wit, Humour, Railery, Satire, and Ridicule (1744) by Corbyn Morris
page 24 of 88 (27%)
page 24 of 88 (27%)
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_Illustration_, it bears to the _first_ Subject.--The Introduction of
pleasant Pictures and Visions, which present not a new _Illustration_, and _Light_, to the _original_ Subjects, being rather wild Sallies of _Vivacity_, than well-aimed, apposite Strokes of WIT. It is Mr. _Locke_'s Conclusion, at last, That WIT _consists in something that is not perfectly conformable to Truth, and good Reason_.--This is a _Problem_ of some Curiosity; and I apprehend Mr. _Locke_'s Determination upon it to be right:--For the _Direction_ of WIT is absolutely different from the _Direction of_ TRUTH and GOOD REASON; It being the Aim of WIT to strike the _Imagination_; of TRUTH and GOOD REASON, to convince the _Judgment_: From thence they can never be perfectly coincident. It is however true, that there may be Instances of WIT, wherein the _Agreement_ between the two Objects shall be absolutely _just_, and perceived to be such at the first Glance. Such Instances of WIT, will be then also _Self-evident_ TRUTHS. They will _both_ agree in their obvious, and quick _Perspicuity_; but will be still different in this, that the Effort of the _One_ is to strike the _Fancy_, whereas the _Other_ is wholly exerted in gratifying the _Judgment_. The Sentiments of Mr. _Addison_ upon WIT, are professedly delivered in the _Spectator_ NÂș. 62. annexed to the following _Essay_. He has there justly commended Mr. _Locke_'s Description of WIT; but what he adds, by Way of Explanation to it, that the _Assemblage_ of Ideas must be such as shall give _Delight_, and _Surprize_, is not true, in regard to the Former, _Delight_ being no _essential_ Property of WIT; for if the _original_ Subject be unpleasant, or deformed, the sudden unexpected _Arrangement_ of a _similar_ Object with it, may give us |
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