Comedy

Definition

Comedy is a genre of theatrical performance that aims to entertain and amuse the audience, often through humor, exaggerated characters, and absurd situations. It serves not only as entertainment but also as a reflection of social norms and critiques of society, using wit and irony to explore human behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Ancient Greece, comedy evolved alongside tragedy and was performed during festivals like the City Dionysia, where playwrights competed for prizes.
2. Aristophanes is one of the most renowned ancient Greek comic playwrights, known for his plays that incorporated satire and political commentary.
3. Roman adaptations of Greek comedy emphasized farcical elements and slapstick humor, leading to the development of new comedic forms such as Plautus's plays.
4. During the Renaissance, comedy saw a revival influenced by classical works, leading to the creation of new styles like commedia dell'arte, which featured improvisation and stock characters.
5. Elizabethan comedies often blended elements of romance with social commentary, paving the way for iconic works by playwrights like Shakespeare.

Review Questions

• How did comedy function as a social commentary in Ancient Greece and what techniques did playwrights use to engage audiences?
  • In Ancient Greece, comedy served as a means to reflect and critique societal norms through humor. Playwrights like Aristophanes used satire to address political issues, poking fun at powerful figures and societal absurdities. Techniques such as exaggerated characters, witty dialogue, and absurd situations allowed audiences to engage with serious themes while enjoying the comedic aspects of the performance.
• Discuss the evolution of comedic styles from Ancient Greek theatre to Elizabethan England, highlighting key changes in themes and performance practices.
  • Comedy evolved significantly from Ancient Greece to Elizabethan England. While Greek comedies often focused on satire and social critique through exaggerated characters and political commentary, Roman adaptations introduced elements of farce and slapstick. In the Renaissance, comedies incorporated romantic themes and complex character interactions. This shift was evident in Elizabethan theatre, where playwrights like Shakespeare blended humor with deeper insights into human nature and social dynamics.
• Evaluate the impact of humanism on the revival of comedy during the Renaissance and its influence on later theatrical forms.
  • Humanism played a crucial role in the revival of comedy during the Renaissance by emphasizing individual experience and the exploration of human behavior. This shift allowed playwrights to create more relatable characters and situational humor that resonated with audiences. The focus on human emotion and social interaction laid the groundwork for later theatrical forms, fostering developments in genres such as romantic comedy and eventually influencing modern comedic narratives seen in contemporary theatre and film.

Related terms

Satire:

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

Farce: A comedic style characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, physical humor, and often ridiculous characters.

Burlesque: A form of comedic performance that parodies or exaggerates serious subjects, often using humor to critique social issues or cultural norms.