Friendship, Wit and Laughter in Heinrich Bebel's Facetiae

Author: Coxon, Sebastian

Source: Oxford German Studies, Volume 36, Number 2, 2007 , pp. 306-320(15)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

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Abstract:

Heinrich Bebel is the primary German exponent of the genre of the 'facetia' or short witty anecdote. His three-volume collection in Latin prose dates from the early sixteenth century and is often regarded as a German response to the 'facetiae' of Poggio. The genre as whole is informed by notions of friendship and companionship, the humorous elements ostensibly reflecting the sparkling, quick-witted conversation characteristic of the gatherings of sophisticated men. This article examines the strategies underlying the ways in which Bebel chooses to thematize — or not to thematize — friendship in his selection of anecdotes. In particular, it argues that Bebel was reluctant to present any material, however entertaining in itself, which might undermine the ideal of harmony between literary patrons, readers and colleagues.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1179/174592107x254986

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