Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Reply to comment

Shannon's picture

Definition of Comedy

I really like Woody Allen's definition of a comedy: "a tragedy + time". I think this is completely accurate in life, as events happen to us that at the time we think are the worst things to experience... but over a period of months or years -- in the lightest of situations, maybe even days-- we realize that the whole situation was a comical mess. As a light example, if someone really pisses you off with a racist comment today, you might immediately become very angry. In a couple days or a week, your attitude will change... and you will laugh at the asshole that was ignorant enough to make that remark.

I do agree, as well, that Allen's definition of tragedy is not applicable in every situation. The VA shootings were an immense tragedy and never will be considered otherwise... The Holocaust example from class -- not even close to being considered comical & almost 60 years have passed since its occurrence. It's all relative I guess... "All things in moderation", as my late grandma once said.

 

 

 

 

Reply

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
3 + 4 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.