Notes Class 10 Chapter 4.4 Kumarbharati English Maharashtra Board

The Height of the Ridiculous

Overview

Title: The Height of the Ridiculous

• The title highlights extreme humor that feels almost unbelievable, suggesting the poem is about laughter’s powerful effect.

Poet: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)

• An American poet known for his witty and accessible poetry, blending humor with insight.

Theme: The poem humorously shows how funny lines written by the poet cause his servant to laugh uncontrollably, leading the poet to avoid such humorous writing in the future.

Key Ideas:

• Humor can be surprisingly strong, affecting people in unexpected ways.
• The poet’s serious nature contrasts with the chaotic humor he creates.
• The poem celebrates laughter but hints it can be overwhelming.

Key Words and Meanings

• Ridiculous: Extremely funny, almost unbelievable.
• Wondrous: Delightful, joyful.
• Albeit: Though, despite.
• Sober: Serious, calm.
• Trifling jest: A small, light-hearted joke.
• Wretched: Helpless, distressed.

Key Takeaways

• The poem is a fun look at how humor can surprise and overwhelm.
• It shows laughter’s joy and its strong impact, relatable for students.