The life of every individual, viewed as a whole and in general and when only its most significant features are emphasised, is really a tragedy; but gone through in detail, it has the characteristics of a comedy.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A life seen as a whole is tragic, but examined in detail it becomes comic.
- In plain terms
- Overall life seems tragic; detailed view makes it comic.
- What can you take from it?
- Look at life’s details to find humor.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does perspective change emotional tone?
- When does comedy mask pain?
Another view
Some tragedies remain tragic even in detail.
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