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In literature what is the difference between tragedy and comedy?

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  • 13-11-2009 2:01pm
    #1
    Barbaragthomas
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭


    In literature and plays what is the difference between a comedy and a tragedy?


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    #2
    Anouilh
    Registered Users Posts: 1,826 ✭✭✭Anouilh


    When you leave them laughing, it's usually a comedy.
    Traditionally, the genre honoured social cohesion in the form of a wedding, bringing all protagonists onstage for a party...

    Star-crossed lovers are granted wish fulfilment.

    think Panto.

    Tragedy...

    Pity, Fear, Catharsis...
    Social issues thrashed out.

    Could go on all day with this.

    Read Bergson on "Laughter".

    They say that the end of each comedy has the ingredients of the next play opening onto tragedy...
    and "vice versa"


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    #3
    Ave Sodalis
    Registered Users Posts: 7,552 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    In Shakespeare, and some others:


    Comedy= ends well

    Tragedy= ends bad


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    #4
    Anouilh
    Registered Users Posts: 1,826 ✭✭✭Anouilh


    Throw in satire and romance for a full muddle-up.

    Everybody is discussing genre these days:

    http://crimealwayspays.blogspot.com/2009/11/gospel-according-to-genre.html

    Are there any good books of criticism on the subject.
    I liked Northrop Frye's approach to genre.


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