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Examples of Comedy Vs. Tragedy

Almost everyone has experienced a comic or tragic event in their lifetime. Books, plays and television portray these events for your entertainment, while other times you may experience comedy or tragedy in person.
  1. Fictional Comedy

    • Fictional comedy throws funny, unrealistic characters into extreme situations. For example, Wile E Coyote goes to extremes (i.e., strapping himself to a rocket) in order to catch the Road Runner for dinner.

    Real-life Comedy

    • Standup comedians like Robin Williams often take real-life people and events and retell the stories in a comical manner.

    Fictional Tragedy

    • The Greeks were possibly the masters of fictional tragedy. Stories like Oedipus Rex tell of noble heroes brought to their knees by fate or pride. The stories often end with the death or defaming of the hero.

    Real-Life Tragedy

    • Tragedy takes place everyday, even when no one sees it. The neglect of a child to the assassination of a president are both tragic, real-life events.

    Tragic Comedy

    • Sometimes comedy and tragedy combine. Lemony Snicket's "Series of Unfortunate Events," tells the story of three unlucky orphans, but combines the text with witty puns and outright sarcasm. Though the events may be depressing, the inflection of the storyteller can change the perceived emotion.

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