Comedy

Definition

Comedy is a genre of drama that aims to amuse and entertain its audience through humor, often involving exaggerated characters, witty dialogue, and amusing situations. This genre frequently explores themes of love, social relationships, and human folly, while usually ending on a positive note, such as reconciliation or celebration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comedy can be categorized into several subgenres including slapstick, farce, and romantic comedy, each utilizing different styles of humor.
2. The structure of comedic plays often involves misunderstandings or mistaken identities that lead to humorous situations before resolving in a positive manner.
3. Comedies typically feature relatable characters whose flaws and follies reflect the audience's own experiences, making the humor more accessible.
4. In addition to entertainment, comedy serves as a way to comment on societal issues, allowing audiences to reflect on their own lives through a humorous lens.
5. Classical comedies, such as those by Shakespeare or Molière, have influenced modern comedic works by establishing key conventions and themes still used today.

Review Questions

• How do the elements of comedy differ from those found in more serious genres of drama?
  • Elements of comedy are primarily focused on humor and amusement, contrasting with the serious tones found in dramas. Comedies often utilize exaggerated characters and situations to elicit laughter, while serious genres explore deeper themes and emotional conflicts. The resolution in comedies usually leads to happiness or reconciliation, whereas serious dramas may conclude with tragedy or unresolved tension.
• Discuss the role of satire within the comedy genre and how it can impact audience perception of societal norms.
  • Satire plays a vital role within the comedy genre by using humor to critique societal norms and institutions. By presenting exaggerated portrayals of real-life issues or behaviors, satire encourages audiences to question and reflect on their values and beliefs. This form of comedy can highlight absurdities in society and provoke thought while still entertaining viewers.
• Evaluate how the structure of comedic plays contributes to their themes of love and relationships, especially in romantic comedies.
  • The structure of comedic plays often hinges on misunderstandings and mistaken identities that create tension between characters, particularly in romantic comedies. This dynamic builds comedic scenarios that emphasize the challenges of love and relationships. The eventual resolution typically reinforces themes of connection and reconciliation, illustrating how humor can navigate complexities in human interactions and lead to positive outcomes.

Related terms

Farce: A subgenre of comedy characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, physical humor, and absurdity.

Satire: A form of comedy that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, institutions, or individuals.

Romantic Comedy: A genre that blends romance with humor, focusing on the relationships and romantic entanglements of the characters, often culminating in a happy ending.