Comedy

Definition

Comedy is a genre of literature and drama that aims to amuse, entertain, and provoke laughter through its characters, situations, and themes. It often involves humorous misunderstandings, witty dialogue, and lighthearted plots that lead to happy endings, setting it apart from more serious genres like tragedy. Comedy not only serves to entertain but also provides social commentary, allowing audiences to reflect on human behavior and societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comedy has ancient roots, with origins in Greek theater where it was often performed alongside tragedy at festivals.
2. During the late-17th to mid-19th century, comedy evolved with the rise of playwrights like Molière and Oscar Wilde, who explored social satire within their works.
3. Comedies often play with the concept of mistaken identities or misunderstandings, leading to humorous outcomes that resolve conflicts.
4. In addition to entertaining, comedy has historically been used as a vehicle for social critique, challenging societal norms and highlighting hypocrisy.
5. Different forms of comedy emerged during this period, including restoration comedy, which emphasized witty banter and sexual innuendos.

Review Questions

• How do comedic elements like misunderstanding and mistaken identity enhance the themes in comedy?
  • Comedic elements such as misunderstanding and mistaken identity are central to creating conflict and humor within comedy. These devices allow characters to find themselves in ridiculous situations that lead to laughter while also providing opportunities for character development. By resolving these misunderstandings in a way that leads to reconciliation or self-awareness by the end of the narrative, comedies highlight the absurdity of human behavior and societal expectations.
• Discuss how satire as a form of comedy reflects social issues of its time.
  • Satire employs humor to critique societal norms, politics, and behaviors. By exaggerating certain traits or scenarios, satirical comedy brings attention to issues like hypocrisy or injustice in a manner that can provoke thought while entertaining audiences. This form of comedy can serve as a reflection of contemporary values or tensions, allowing writers to address serious matters in a way that is accessible and engaging for the audience.
• Evaluate the impact of restoration comedy on the development of comedic forms in literature during the late-17th to mid-19th century.
  • Restoration comedy played a significant role in shaping comedic forms during its time by reintroducing themes of sexual freedom and sharp wit after years of censorship. This genre emphasized social class dynamics and sexual politics while using humor to critique contemporary society. The influence of restoration comedy can be seen in later comedic works where humor becomes a tool for exploring complex human emotions and relationships, paving the way for romantic comedies and other hybrid forms in subsequent literature.

Related terms

Satire: A literary device that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.

Farce: A subgenre of comedy characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, often featuring physical humor and slapstick elements.

Romantic Comedy: A genre that blends romance and comedy, typically focusing on the humorous aspects of love and relationships while culminating in a happy resolution.