The logic of wit
The diversity of witticism in any modern language is really great. Still, there is unity in this diversity that is explained by the existence of a certain logical "standard" or "logic" that determines the emergence of humorous or witty effect.
One of the brightest examples is: "An English lady, on being asked by a friend what she thought of her departed husband's whereabouts: "Well, I suppose the poor soul is enjoying eternal bliss, but I wish you wouldn't talk about such unpleasant subjects."
It is a common example of the opposite views expressed about one and the same notion within one phrase. She looks upon death as "eternal bliss" and "unpleasant object" simultaneously, briefly expressing the essence of human living in two spheres: faith and reason. In this very witticism, the joke carries unconscious overtones and undertones revealing her true attitude towards her husband.
The model underlying this story is the receiving of a situation in two commonly incompatible associative contexts. This pattern is said to have a general importance for all forms of humour and wit in particular. Surprisingly but it covers only intellectual structure of wit. There is also emotional dynamics that will be viewed in next chapters.