Reading Comprehension on Bergson's Laughter
XAT 2025 · Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning · Hard · Reading Comprehension
Passage / data set
You may laugh at a hat, but what you are making fun of, in this case, is not the piece of felt or straw, but the shape that men have given it, -- the human caprice whose mould it has assumed. It is strange that so important a fact, and such a simple one too, has not attracted to a greater degree the attention of philosophers. Several have defined man as 'an animal which laughs.' They might equally well have defined him as an animal which is laughed at... Here I would point out, as a symptom equally worthy of notice, the ABSENCE OF FEELING which usually accompanies laughter. It seems as though the comic could not produce its disturbing effect unless it fell, so to say, on the surface of a soul that is thoroughly calm and unruffled. Indifference is its natural environment, for laughter has no greater foe than emotion...
Question 1 of 3
What does the author BEST mean when they say, 'it seems as though the comic could not produce its disturbing effect unless it fell, so to say, on the surface of a soul that is thoroughly calm and unruffled?'
- A.
Comics are the most effective when the audience is unaware of the context.
- B.
Unless one is emotionally detached from the event, it is impossible to appreciate a comical view.
- C.
Relaxed people tend to find edgy or disturbing comedy funnier
- D.
To appreciate humour with an unsettling tone, people benefit from being in a calm state.
- E.
Comical behaviour disturbs those more deeply whose minds are calm and composed
B
Explanation
The author asserts that 'Indifference is its natural environment, for laughter has no greater foe than emotion', meaning emotional detachment is required to appreciate comedy.
Question 2 of 3
Based on the passage, which of the following statements CANNOT be inferred?
- A.
Comic happens in a setting of emotional detachment, having a sense of distance.
- B.
Inanimate objects can become a subject of laughter because they may project human characteristics
- C.
When strong emotions are involved, laughter cannot be evoked.
- D.
When you laugh at a hat, you laugh at a human being it represents
- E.
Humour only springs from experiences that demand momentary anesthesia
E
Explanation
The passage states comic demands 'momentary anesthesia of the heart' (feelings/emotions), not physical/literal anesthesia.
Question 3 of 3
Based on the passage, which of the following statements will the author BEST agree with?
- A.
Life is a tragedy when seen in close up but a comedy in long-shot.
- B.
Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.
- C.
Comedy is but tragedy, cunningly disguised and popularized for the multitude
- D.
A person who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused
- E.
Comedy is an escape, not from truth but from despair.
A
Explanation
The passage argues that getting involved/feeling with events makes things serious/tragic, while stepping back as a disinterested spectator turns drama into comedy.
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