The Importance of Humour
Humour has been an essential① part of human behaviour for thousands of years.There is comedy in the texts of Ancient Greece②， and medieval③ writings are filled with④ jokes.[1]While these same jokes might not be as funny to us now as they were then, their authors understood that humour could not only entertain but also⑤ throw new light on⑥ sensitive or emotive⑦ issues.
[1]本句为复合句。While引导让步状语从句。主句中含有that引导的宾语从句，not only ...but also ...连接并列谓语。
Closer to modern times, someone who is remembered for his ability to combine⑧ humour with more serious messages⑨ is American writer, Mark Twain.Twain's particular style of writing⑩ is funny and often mischievous?.For example, in his classic novel? The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, he famously says, “Writing is easy.[2]All you have to do is cross out? the wrong words.”But he is equally well known for his witty remarks? in his everyday interactions? with people.For instance, while on a lecturing tour? of the United States, Twain went into a barber's shop? to get a haircut and a shave.The barber, not recognising him, asked if he had a ticket to the lecture.When Twain replied that he didn't, the barber told him that if he wanted to go to the event? he would have to stand, as there were no seats left in the theatre.Twain's response was, “That's just my luck.I always have to stand when that fellow lectures！”
