A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Comedy

Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. Comedy is a genre that aims to entertain and amuse through humor, wit, and the portrayal of humorous situations, characters, and events. It often employs satire, wordplay, absurdity, and light-hearted themes to engage readers and elicit laughter.

Key Features of Comedy:

1. Humorous Situations: Comedy revolves around humorous situations, misunderstandings, and absurdities that lead to comical outcomes. These situations often involve mistaken identities, disguises, and miscommunications.

2. Character Foils: Characters in comedy are often presented as foils to each other, highlighting their contrasting personalities and creating comedic interactions and conflicts.

3. Wordplay and Wit: Comedy employs wordplay, puns, clever dialogue, and witty remarks to create humor through linguistic devices.

4. Satire and Social Commentary: Many comedies use satire to lampoon societal norms, conventions, and human behaviors. Through humor, comedies can offer insightful commentary on various aspects of society.

5. Exaggeration and Absurdity: Comedy often employs exaggeration, hyperbole, and absurd situations to create humor by presenting events in an unrealistic or over-the-top manner.

6. Happy Endings: Traditional comedy frequently concludes with a happy ending, where conflicts are resolved, characters find love or success, and a sense of harmony is restored.

7. Comic Timing: Effective comedy involves well-timed delivery of humorous elements, whether in dialogue, physical actions, or pacing of events.

Representatives of Comedy:

1. William Shakespeare (1564—1616): While known for tragedies, Shakespeare also wrote comedies such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Twelfth Night," and "Much Ado About Nothing," characterized by mistaken identities, playful banter, and romantic entanglements.

2. Jane Austen (1775—1817): Austen's novels, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma," are known for their social satire, sharp wit, and exploration of romantic relationships.

3. Oscar Wilde (1854—1900): Wilde's plays like "The Importance of Being Earnest" and his novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" feature witty dialogue, sharp social commentary, and satire.

4. Mark Twain (1835—1910): Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" blend humor with social commentary, often through the eyes of young protagonists.

5. P.G. Wodehouse (1881—1975): Wodehouse's "Jeeves and Wooster" series and comedic novels are celebrated for their light-hearted humor, farcical situations, and eccentric characters.

6. Tina Fey (born 1970): Known for her comedic writing on TV shows like "30 Rock" and her memoir "Bossypants," Fey's work combines humor, satire, and commentary on modern life.

These representatives exemplify the key features of comedy, showcasing its use of humor, satire, wordplay, and comedic situations to entertain and engage readers. Comedy serves as a lighthearted and relatable form of storytelling that often provides insightful reflections on human nature and society.