Jokes occupy an important role in folk literature. Researchers have not paid jokes, the attention which they have given to folk songs, riddles, tales and proverbs. None has come forward to collect and publish them academically. Of course, jokes are published in almost every magazine. But they are dry jokes, which are meant to please people for the time being only. The real jokes (which have a permanent value) are created by people and reflect their attitudes, presence of mind and character in general. They are handed down orally, undergo changes as they are passed on and become part of current usage.

Humour is an essential part of life. There is no remedy like whole-hearted laughter, they say. In cultural programmes, there is usually a clown, who entertains the audience with his humour. There is a close relationship between jokes and anecdotes. A joke can be expanded into an anecdote and an anecdote can be constricted into a joke.

Jokes are cracked at the expense of a particular people, a caste, a town, a political party or even an individual. No one knows who the originator of a joke is. He or she may be educated or otherwise, a villager or townsman. People who have been suppressed by a dictator indulge in jokes to express their feelings, which they cannot voice freely.

In ancient days, story-telling was very common. These story-telling sessions were usually preceded by a few jokes. There are plenty of jokes about cheats who fall a prey to each other's ploy. Gna.Stephen has collected jokes pertaining to 'Kunnathooraar', the people of Kunnathoor in Kanyakumari district.

Jokes based on the occupations of people are quite popular among villagers. They poke mild fun at their jobs and usually carry double meanings. There are jokes on hospitality, greed, the practice of telling lies and so on.
What is the use of a study of jokes? They help us to understand people's mentality, character and behaviour. They are also useful in pointing out our mistakes and chiding wrong-doers. Jokes make us laugh and think simultaneously.

This lesson teaches you all this, with suitable illustrations.