Tragicomedy combines tragic and comic elements.
The Latin word tragicomoedia came to our language as tragicomedy . This is the name given to a work that combines characteristics of comedy with elements of tragedy .
The notion also alludes to a genre of literature that emerged at the end of the 15th century . "La Celestina" by the Spanish Fernando de Rojas is mentioned as the work that marked the birth of this type of proposals where contrasting characters appear and the colloquial is combined with refinement.
The tragicomedy throughout history
What is currently understood as tragicomedy was already present in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire . Although Aristotle maintained that comedy and tragedy appealed to similar means (such as in terms of meters and rhythms), it is believed that Plautus was the one who coined the concept. This comedian used the term to name a hybrid genre that mixed tragedy and comedy.
The presence of satire and touches of humor in dramatic passages are common components of works framed in tragicomedy. Beyond classical antiquity , over time these traits appeared in multiple cultural traditions throughout the world.
Tragicomedy is present in various theatrical manifestations.
The notion in France and Spain
If we focus on French theater, tragicomedy began to develop in the 16th century . Robert Garnier is pointed out as a precursor, although it was later present in classic authors such as Pierre Corneille and Molière .
In Spain , meanwhile, Lope de Vega is mentioned as a reference for tragicomedy. There are even specialists who place "Don Quixote" , the famous work of Miguel de Cervantes , as a novel that is framed in tragicomedy.
Plot and characters of a tragicomedy
Tragicomedy is usually part of realistic literature because the authors usually seek to narrate the experiences of a social group by mixing the tragic and the comic of its existence .
With a sense that is generally critical, tragicomedy makes fun of some social issue. In its development, it aims to provoke pity or sorrow but, at the same time, entertain.
Another of the peculiarities of tragicomedy is its forcefulness. In this genre, the endings are usually happy or fatal, with no middle ground. Along the way, the protagonists go through multiple obstacles .
As for these characters, there are archetypes such as the heartthrob , the antagonist , the lady , the funny one and the wise man . Many times the servants , who accompany the lady and the gallant, also play a leading role.
The notion in colloquial language
The idea of tragicomedy is also used in everyday life. When a situation, a fact or an event has tragic overtones but which, at the same time, are comical, we speak of tragicomedy.
Suppose that, at a wake , the brother of the deceased stumbles and falls on the coffin . This may be funny , although it is still something that happens in a very sad context, with the protagonist of the fall suffering when saying goodbye to his family member. Therefore, it is possible to indicate that it is a tragicomic moment.