Comedy

Definition

Comedy is a genre of literature and performance that aims to entertain and amuse its audience through humor, often involving exaggerated situations, witty dialogue, and a focus on the absurdities of human behavior. In classical poetics, comedy is distinguished from tragedy by its lighter themes and resolution, typically leading to a happy ending, reflecting the social dynamics and cultural norms of its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In classical times, comedy was often performed in festivals, such as the City Dionysia in Athens, where playwrights would compete for recognition and prizes.
2. Aristotle defined comedy as an imitation of 'lower types' of people, highlighting the humorous aspects of their behavior rather than their noble qualities.
3. Roman comedies were heavily influenced by Greek models but also included new characters and themes that reflected Roman society.
4. Comedic structures often include elements such as mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and humorous resolutions that restore social order.
5. In contemporary times, comedy continues to evolve but retains its core purpose of exploring human folly and societal norms through laughter.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of comedy differ from that of tragedy in classical poetics?
  • Comedy generally features lighter themes and a more upbeat tone compared to tragedy. While tragedies often depict serious subjects with a focus on human suffering and moral dilemmas, comedies tend to highlight absurd situations and human follies. The resolution in comedy typically results in a happy ending that restores social harmony, whereas tragedies often conclude with the downfall of the protagonist. This contrast allows each genre to offer different insights into the human experience.
• Discuss how satire functions within the realm of comedy and its impact on societal norms.
  • Satire serves as a critical component within comedy by using humor to highlight social issues, absurdities, and flaws in human behavior. By exposing these shortcomings through wit and irony, satire encourages audiences to reflect on their own values and societal norms. This interplay not only entertains but also challenges prevailing attitudes and can inspire change by prompting viewers to reconsider their beliefs and actions. As such, satire represents both a form of amusement and a tool for social critique.
• Evaluate the significance of comedic elements like mistaken identities in the context of human relationships as portrayed in classical works.
  • Mistaken identities are a central comedic device that illustrates the complexities and quirks of human relationships. In classical works, these scenarios often lead to humorous misunderstandings that challenge social norms and expectations. By creating chaos before ultimately resolving conflicts, comedies reveal deeper truths about identity, perception, and human interaction. This device not only entertains but also provides insight into the fluid nature of relationships, suggesting that our understanding of others is frequently clouded by assumptions and misconceptions.

Related terms

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that portrays serious and often somber themes, focusing on human suffering and typically ending in disaster for the protagonist.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize and expose flaws in individuals or society, often with the aim of prompting change.

Farce: A subgenre of comedy characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, physical humor, and absurdity, often relying on mistaken identities and misunderstandings.