Comedy and Tragedy Masks: Definition & History
Two masks. One smiling. One weeping. The comedy and tragedy masks are among the oldest symbols in theatre. They appear everywhere, from stage logos to award ceremonies. But they are not just decorative. They represent the two core forms of drama. Comedy and tragedy are not simply about humour or sadness. They are dramatic forms with distinct structures, rules, and outcomes. One moves toward resolution. The other moves toward irreversible loss. Every piece of drama sits somewhere between them.This article defines both forms, explains the comedy and tragedy masks meaning, and breaks down the key difference between comedy and tragedy…
