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A gifted mimic's temptations to cause laughter at the ex- pense of the other are besetting. If he is not an absolutely kindly, generous person he is sure to abuse his power. Nevertheless the gift of mimicry is one of the most valuable assets a conversationalist can have. Its power is not confined to belittling; it can also be used to imply a compliment. One may, for example, mimic someone who talks very dramatically — and so in effect compliment him. One may mimic a person who, longing for it yet fearing it, declines the third cocktail — the mimicking will produce laughter but not hurtful laughter. A light touch of mimicry is nearly always suitable in quoting anyone or in reproducing the various speakers of an anecdote. Mimicry, after all, is a phase of acting — and acting is one of the greatest of human arts. If I were a parent I would, with due warning against misuse, encourage my children to acquire the art. I advise anyone who has even an ounce of talent for it to improve himself in it. |
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