Comedy & TragedyMr. Cass

Then and Now The meanings of the words comedy

and tragedy were different in Shakespeare’s time compared to now.

Conflict Nearly every plot has an underlying

conflict.

In a Shakespearean comedy, the conflict is resolved with a happy ending

In a Shakespearean tragedy, the conflict ends with something bad happening

Characteristics of Comedy A young couple gets separated and struggles to

get back together.

Complex plot, often centering around mistaken identities.

Usually ends in a marriage.

Light-hearted tone and style.

Lots of puns. Why was the dragon slow?

Characteristics of Tragedy “Bad things happen to good people” The reader sympathizes with the

hero. The hero has a tragic flaw that leads

to his downfall. The hero experiences a reversal of

fortune related to his flaw. Ends with catharsis BAAADD stuff

out.

Final Tableau The last image the audience is left

with In a tragedy blood, murder,

mayhem A final reminder of what not to do