Greek Comedy

Greek comedy, originating in ancient Athens around the 5th century BCE, is a theatrical genre characterized by humorous, satirical plays that critique society, politics, and cultural norms. Unlike tragedy, which explores serious, noble themes, comedy employs wit, parody, and exaggerated characters to entertain and provoke thought. Prominent playwrights like Aristophanes used comedy to reflect on contemporary issues, often using humor as a tool for social commentary. Greek comedy influenced the development of comedic storytelling and remains foundational for modern comedy, emphasizing humor’s role in questioning authority, highlighting absurdities, and engaging audiences with clever, insightful entertainment.