The collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 08 (of 12)

In this lively series of lectures, Hazlitt sets out to unravel the twin forces of laughter and tears that shape human experience. He begins by probing what makes us grin at the absurd and weep at the tragic, arguing that our reactions reveal the deeper mechanics of wit, sympathy, and the ever‑shifting gap between how things are and how they ought to be. His observations are sharp yet conversational, inviting listeners to consider how the smallest oddities can turn life's hardships into moments of comic relief.

The talks then sweep across the landscape of English letters, from the towering plays of Shakespeare and Jonson to the sparkling dialogues of Wycherley, Congreve and their successors. Hazlitt also turns his keen eye to the periodical essayists, novelists, and even the visual humor of Hogarth, offering vivid, accessible critiques that illuminate the lasting power of comic art. Listeners will come away with a richer appreciation of how humor reflects—and sometimes softens—our shared humanity.