I'm in a Shakespeare class right now and we are discussing comedies in general, as well as Shakespearean comedies. Four hundred years ago, Shakespeare was making fart jokes, though today they slip right by (pardon the pun) because Elizabethan English is so different.
So, the question was raised: Are fart jokes universal?
My position is yes, because they must be genetic, because if you even say the word you smile, or giggle, or worse, depending on the context.
So, what do you think? I'm polling this for my class.
And if you are curious about Elizabethan English, here's the Hokey Pokey, done Shakespeare style...
O proud left foot, that ventures quick within Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke.
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from heaven's yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
The Hoke, the poke -- banish now thy doubt.
Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.
