The Four Humours in English Literature: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic & Phlegmatic Explained

The Four Humours in English Literature

Introduction

The theory of the Four Humours is one of the most influential concepts inherited from ancient Greek medicine and philosophy. For centuries, it shaped not only medical science but also literature, psychology, and social thought. According to this theory, the human body contains four essential fluids or "humours" whose balance determines a person's physical health, emotional state, and temperament.

The concept was first developed by the Greek physician Hippocrates (460–370 BCE) and later elaborated by the Roman physician Galen (129–216 CE). During the Renaissance and the Elizabethan Age, the theory became extremely popular and influenced many English writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Edmund Spenser, and John Milton.

The four humours are:

1. Blood – Sanguine Temperament
2. Yellow Bile – Choleric Temperament
3. Black Bile – Melancholic Temperament
4. Phlegm – Phlegmatic Temperament

The theory provided writers with a framework for understanding human nature and creating realistic characters. The actions, emotions, and personalities of literary figures were often explained through the dominance of one humour over the others.

Origin of the Four Humours

The theory originated in ancient Greece and was closely associated with natural philosophy. Hippocrates believed that the human body consisted of four fluids corresponding to the four elements of nature:

Humour	Element	Quality
Blood	Air	Hot and Moist
Yellow Bile	Fire	Hot and Dry
Black Bile	Earth	Cold and Dry
Phlegm	Water	Cold and Moist

Health depended upon the balance of these humours. Any imbalance produced illness, unusual behavior, or emotional instability.

This theory remained dominant throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Since literature often reflects contemporary beliefs, English writers incorporated the concept into their works.

1. Blood and the Sanguine Temperament

Characteristics

Blood was associated with the element Air and was believed to be hot and moist. Individuals dominated by blood were known as Sanguine.

Traits of the Sanguine Personality

• Cheerful
• Optimistic
• Energetic
• Sociable
• Romantic
• Friendly
• Enthusiastic
• Pleasure-loving

Sanguine people enjoyed life and easily formed friendships. They were often portrayed as lovers, adventurers, or humorous characters.

Sanguine Characters in English Literature

Chaucer's Characters

In The Canterbury Tales, many pilgrims display sanguine qualities. The Franklin, for example, loves food, entertainment, and social gatherings. His cheerful and hospitable nature reflects the sanguine temperament.

Shakespeare's Characters

Several Shakespearean characters exhibit sanguine traits.

Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet is witty, energetic, and full of life. His humor and enthusiasm make him one of Shakespeare's most memorable sanguine characters.

Falstaff in Henry IV is another excellent example. He is jovial, humorous, and fond of pleasure and companionship.

Literary Significance

The sanguine temperament often symbolizes:

• Joy
• Youthfulness
• Vitality
• Optimism

Writers use sanguine characters to create comic relief and represent the positive aspects of human nature.

2. Yellow Bile and the Choleric Temperament

Characteristics

Yellow bile was connected with the element Fire and possessed hot and dry qualities. Individuals dominated by yellow bile were called Choleric.

Traits of the Choleric Personality

• Ambitious
• Aggressive
• Determined
• Quick-tempered
• Energetic
• Authoritative
• Courageous
• Impatient

Choleric individuals often become leaders because of their confidence and determination. However, excessive choler can lead to anger and violence.

Choleric Characters in English Literature

Shakespeare's Hot-Tempered Heroes

Many Shakespearean characters display choleric tendencies.

Hotspur in Henry IV, Part I represents the classic choleric hero. He is brave, ambitious, and easily angered. His fiery temperament ultimately contributes to his downfall.

King Lear

In King Lear, Lear frequently exhibits choleric behavior. His impulsive decisions and uncontrollable anger create tragedy and suffering.

Othello

Othello's intense jealousy and emotional outbursts reveal choleric characteristics. His inability to control his passions leads to catastrophe.

Ben Jonson and Humour Theory

Ben Jonson particularly relied on humour theory in his plays.

In Every Man in His Humour, characters are dominated by specific humours. Jonson satirizes people whose personalities become exaggerated due to an excess of one humour.

The choleric characters often appear quarrelsome and excessively proud.

Literary Significance

The choleric temperament symbolizes:

• Power
• Leadership
• Passion
• Conflict

Such characters drive the action of many dramatic works because their strong emotions generate tension and movement.

3. Black Bile and the Melancholic Temperament

Characteristics

Black bile corresponded to the element Earth and was considered cold and dry.

People dominated by black bile were called Melancholic.

Traits of the Melancholic Personality

• Thoughtful
• Serious
• Intellectual
• Creative
• Sad
• Pessimistic
• Reflective
• Sensitive

The melancholic temperament became particularly important during the Renaissance because it was often linked with genius and artistic creativity.

Melancholic Characters in English Literature

Hamlet

The most famous melancholic character in English literature is undoubtedly Hamlet.

Throughout Shakespeare's Hamlet, the prince displays:

• Deep reflection
• Sadness
• Philosophical thinking
• Indecisiveness
• Emotional suffering

His famous soliloquy "To be or not to be" demonstrates the melancholic tendency toward contemplation and existential questioning.

Jaques in As You Like It

Jaques is another melancholic figure. He constantly reflects upon human life and expresses a pessimistic worldview.

His speech "All the world's a stage" reveals his contemplative nature.

Milton's Il Penseroso

John Milton celebrates the melancholic temperament in his poem Il Penseroso.

The poem praises solitude, meditation, learning, and artistic inspiration associated with melancholy.

Renaissance Melancholy

During the Renaissance, melancholy acquired a prestigious status.

Scholars believed that many great thinkers, philosophers, poets, and artists possessed a melancholic temperament. Therefore, melancholy was often associated with:

• Wisdom
• Creativity
• Genius
• Intellectual depth

Literary Significance

The melancholic temperament symbolizes:

• Reflection
• Philosophy
• Artistic imagination
• Human suffering

Many of literature's deepest and most memorable characters belong to this category.

4. Phlegm and the Phlegmatic Temperament

Characteristics

Phlegm was associated with the element Water and was considered cold and moist.

People dominated by phlegm were called Phlegmatic.

Traits of the Phlegmatic Personality

• Calm
• Patient
• Peaceful
• Reliable
• Slow-moving
• Thoughtful
• Reserved
• Emotionally stable

Phlegmatic individuals avoid conflict and maintain emotional balance.

Phlegmatic Characters in English Literature

Chaucer's Characters

Several of Chaucer's pilgrims demonstrate phlegmatic tendencies through their calm and practical behavior.

Shakespearean Examples

Some Shakespearean servants and advisors display phlegmatic characteristics because they remain composed during crises.

Horatio in Hamlet

Horatio serves as a good example of the phlegmatic temperament.

Unlike Hamlet, Horatio remains rational and calm. He acts as a stabilizing force throughout the play.

His emotional control contrasts sharply with Hamlet's melancholy and Claudius's ambition.

Literary Significance

The phlegmatic temperament symbolizes:

• Stability
• Reason
• Patience
• Reliability

These characters often provide balance in literary works filled with emotional conflict.

Ben Jonson and the Comedy of Humours

No discussion of humour theory in English literature is complete without mentioning Ben Jonson.

Jonson developed a dramatic form known as the Comedy of Humours.

Definition

A Comedy of Humours is a play in which a character's behavior is dominated by one particular humour.

The character becomes obsessed with certain traits and behaves in an exaggerated manner.

Important Works

• Every Man in His Humour (1598)
• Every Man Out of His Humour (1599)

Jonson used humour theory to expose human weaknesses and social follies.

His plays significantly influenced English comedy and character development.

The Four Humours and Shakespeare

Shakespeare frequently employed humour theory.

His audience understood the concept, allowing him to create psychologically convincing characters.

Hamlet – Melancholic

Hotspur – Choleric

Falstaff – Sanguine

Horatio – Phlegmatic

By combining different temperaments, Shakespeare produced complex and realistic human personalities.

Decline of Humour Theory

The scientific revolution gradually weakened belief in the four humours.

Advances in anatomy and medicine challenged Galenic theories.

By the eighteenth century, modern medical science had largely rejected humour theory.

However, its influence survived in literature and everyday language.

Even today we use expressions such as:

• "Good-humoured"
• "Bad-humoured"
• "Melancholy"
• "Phlegmatic"
• "Sanguine outlook"

These terms originate directly from the ancient theory.

Critical Importance in English Literature

The Four Humours contributed significantly to literary studies because they:

1. Provided a method of character analysis.
2. Influenced Renaissance psychology.
3. Helped writers create realistic personalities.
4. Inspired the Comedy of Humours.
5. Connected literature with philosophy and medicine.
6. Shaped the characterization techniques of Shakespeare and Jonson.

Understanding humour theory helps modern readers appreciate the cultural and intellectual background of English Renaissance literature.

Conclusion

The theory of the Four Humours occupies a unique position in the history of English literature. Originating in ancient Greek medicine, it became a powerful framework for interpreting human personality and behavior. The four temperaments—Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic—offered writers a rich vocabulary for character creation and psychological exploration.

From Chaucer's lively pilgrims to Shakespeare's tragic heroes and Ben Jonson's comic figures, humour theory profoundly influenced English literary tradition. Although modern science has abandoned the medical basis of the theory, its literary significance remains undeniable. The Four Humours continue to provide valuable insight into Renaissance thought, character development, and the enduring complexity of human nature.