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[Comedies], in the ancient world, were regarded as of a…

“[Comedies], in the ancient world, were regarded as of a higher rank than tragedy, of a deeper truth, of a more difficult realization, of a sounder structure, and of a revelation more complete. The happy ending of the fairy tale, the myth, and the divine comedy of the soul, is to be read, not as a…” quote by Joseph Campbell
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“[Comedies], in the ancient world, were regarded as of a higher rank than tragedy, of a deeper truth, of a more difficult realization, of a sounder structure, and of a revelation more complete. The happy ending of the fairy tale, the myth, and the divine comedy of the soul, is to be read, not as a contradiction, but as a transcendence of the universal tragedy of man. ...Tragedy is the shattering of the forms and of our attachment to the forms...”

Joseph Campbell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Ancient comedies were valued higher than tragedies because they offered deeper truth, difficult realizations, and a more complete revelation, transcending universal tragedy.

In simple terms: Comedies reveal deeper truths and transcend tragedy.

Key Takeaway

Seek humor to understand life's hardships.

Themes

humor truth transcendence mythology philosophy

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Storytelling
  • theatre
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Narrative structure catharsis cultural hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truths does humor reveal about pain?
  • How can comedy aid healing?
A Different Perspective

Comedy may oversimplify complex suffering.

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