Page:Freud - Wit and its relation to the unconscious.djvu/64



We have by this time become familiar with such a large number of different techniques of wit that I am afraid we may lose sight of them. Let us, therefore, attempt to make a summary.

I. CONDENSATION

(a) with mixed word-formation.

(b) with modification.

II. THE APPLICATION OF THE SAME MATERIAL

(c) The whole and the part.

(d) Change of order.

(e) Slight modification.

(f) The same words used in their full or colorless sense.

III. DOUBLE MEANING

(g) Name and verbal significance.

(h) Metaphorical and verbal meaning.

(i) True double meaning (play on words).

(j) Ambiguous meaning.

(k) Double meaning with allusion.

This variety causes confusion. It might vex us because we have devoted so much time to the consideration of the technical means of wit, and the stress laid on the forms might possibly arouse our suspicions that we are overvaluing their