high comedy
Definition
Noun: A sophisticated form of comedy characterized by witty dialogue, intellectual humor, and a focus on satirizing the manners and social conventions of polite or upper-class society. It relies on verbal dexterity and situational irony rather than physical slapstick or broad farce.
Usage
"High comedy" is used to describe plays, films, or literature that use clever, often satirical humor to examine social norms and the behavior of sophisticated characters. * The plays of Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw are classic examples of high comedy. * The film was praised as a brilliant piece of high comedy, skewering the pretensions of the political elite. * She prefers high comedy, with its sharp wit, to the physical humor of low comedy.
Advanced Usage
- As a critical term: In literary and theatrical criticism, "high comedy" is often contrasted with "low comedy." The distinction highlights the difference between intellectual, dialogue-driven humor and physical, situational humor aimed at a broader audience.
- Implied audience: The term can imply an audience that is educated or familiar with the social nuances being satirized.
Variants and Related Words
- Comedy of manners: A closely related, often overlapping genre that specifically focuses on satirizing the customs and behaviors of a particular social class. All comedies of manners are a form of high comedy, but not all high comedy is strictly a comedy of manners.
- Satire: A broader genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of politics and other topical issues. High comedy is frequently satirical.
- Wit: The keen intelligence and verbal skill that form the basis of humor in high comedy.
Synonyms
- Sophisticated comedy
- Comedy of manners
- Intellectual comedy
- Witty satire
Antonyms
- Low comedy
- Slapstick
- Farce
- Burlesque
Noun
-
a sophisticated comedy; often satirizing genteel society
