In the landscape of dramatic literature, the juxtaposition of tragedy and comedy offers profound insights into human behavior and societal constructs. Consider the following excerpt from a tragic play: 'As the shadows deepened, the hero stood alone at the precipice, burdened by the weight of decisions that would alter the course of his life and others irrevocably.'
This moment contrasts sharply with comedic works that often rely on misunderstanding, mistaken identities, or absurdity for humor. For example, in a celebrated comedic play, a character might call out to a friend during a chaotic dinner party, leading to a series of misunderstandings that culminate in laughter.
Based on this context, which of the following statements best articulates the essential thematic difference between tragedy and comedy?