Witticisms: Proverbs and Riddles, Article Review Example

The chapter entitled Witticisms has an introductory paragraph followed by three sections entitled: Proverbs; Riddles; and Puns and Tongue Twisters. The first two sections have three subsections entitled Sources and Themes; Performance and Purpose; and Internal Qualities.

The introductory paragraph begins by stating that although the forms to be discussed are short and concise, they are not less important. However, they have traditionally gotten less attention from scholars and people in general because they are not performed. Proverbs are the most popular of the short forms, but are so based on local language and culture that they have been misunderstood by scholars, although the situation is improving. A proverb is defined as a piece of folk wisdom expressed with terseness and charm. It acknowledges that folk wisdom is originally the work of a specific individual, popular enough to be repeated thereafter. Sources and Themes states three kinds of sources for proverbs: folktales; as comments about actual historical incidents; and, most common of all, observations linking the natural environment with human conduct. Examples of each different type are given and discussed. The question of who the authors of proverbs are is addressed by making a distinction between those that are historically anonymous and those whose authors can be traced. For the former, it is important for scholars to study who quotes a particular proverb and what the circumstances are. It is suggested that in some tribes, the local chief, during sessions of litigation, may be a source of proverbs made in the form of a pithy oral judgment or decision. Performance and Purpose states three main situations where proverbs are used: a speech-act situation (two people talking); formal speeches and storytelling; and ritual chants. Examples of each are given and discussed at length. A fourth situation, verbal contests, is hypothesized as belonging more to the category of riddling contests, subject to later discussion. The section concludes with a summary of the function of proverbs: they make a concise point; they are entertaining; and they are often “true” in the sense of wisdom. Proverbs are thus respected. Internal Qualities discusses proverbs’ outlook, formal structure, and style. In outlook they are generally philosophical, and examples are given. In formal structure, they are a statement, a question or a command. Examples are again given. Structure is simple or complex, with the latter having many subforms, and again examples are given. In style, proverbs use alliteration, assonance, and rhyme, lending them poetic qualities.

Riddles, in contrast to proverbs, are mainly used for entertainment, even as they sometimes provide the same level of insight into life and nature as a proverb. The problem of defining a riddle is begun by discussing two assumptions about them: that they always have a question-answer format; and that there are always two parties participating. Tribal exceptions to both assumptions are stated. The definition is then stated, and its three advantages discussed. Sources and Themes. Known sources are fewer than with proverbs, but seem based on the environment, the human body, and animals. It is hypothesized that riddles may be combinations of proverbs. The phenomenon of proverb-riddles is discussed, as well as how riddles are created, by whom, and their relative intellectual content. In Performance and Purpose three riddle-models are offered and exampled: simple, problem, and song. In Internal Qualities, the various forms of riddles, from short to complex, are examined at length and in detail. The differences in the concise metaphorical language of proverbs vs. the literal language of riddles is examined.

Puns and Tongue Twisters in Africa are stated as being lower in literary form and interest, yet having value in entertainment, sometimes pornographic, lighter in tone than riddles, the latter being cited as popular mainly with children. The two main forms of puns are examined with several examples from tribal languages, and both puns and tongue-twisters are defined. The chapter concludes with a real-world incident exemplifying skill with a particular tongue-twister.