Bitter Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“A third variety of drama ... begins as tragedy with scraps of fun in it ... and ends in comedy without mirth in it, the place of mirth being taken by a more or less bitter and critical irony.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1905
The piece shifts from tragic elements with humor to a comedy lacking joy, replaced by biting irony.
In simple terms: Drama moves from tragedy with humor to ironic comedy.
Observe how tone evolves in storytelling.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- theatre production
- scriptwriting
- critical reviews
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does irony affect audience reception?
- Can a work be both tragic and comedic?
Irony may alienate audiences seeking pure entertainment.