[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](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/19d/joseph-campbell-300_ancient_comedies-in-the-ancient-world-were-regar_2396551.png)
“[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 attachments to the forms; comedy, the wild and careless, inexhaustible joy of life invincible.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Comedy is considered superior to tragedy because it reveals deeper truths, offers a more complex structure, and provides a transcendent, joyous resolution to human suffering.
In simple terms: Comedy shows deeper truth and joy beyond tragedy.
Key Takeaway
Seek humor to transcend hardship.
Themes
comedy
tragedy
truth
joy
transcendence
Mood
hopeful
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- theatre
- film
- personal crises
- social commentary
Key Concepts
mythology
narrative theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- In what ways does humor help you cope?
- Can comedy ever fully replace tragedy’s lessons?
A Different Perspective
Comedy may oversimplify complex pain.