Final answer:
The rise of New Comedy in ancient Greece lacked the satirical bite of Old Comedy due to the end of democracy, loss of history, and changing audience taste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rise of New Comedy in 323 BCE was a significant development in ancient Greek theater. This new form of comedy focused on safer themes, smaller problems, and more realistic situations compared to the Old Comedy. However, it lacked the satirical bite of its predecessor due to several factors.
One reason for the lack of satire in New Comedy was the end of democracy in Greece. With the rise of kings and emperors, it became unsafe to openly criticize those in power. The playwrights had to be cautious and avoid controversial topics that might offend the ruling class.
Another factor was the disappearance of the history of old Greek plays. While the Romans were influenced by Greek theater, they did not eliminate the history of the old Greek plays entirely. Some records were lost over time, leading to a gap in our knowledge of the specific satirical aspects of Old Comedy.
Lastly, the audience's taste and preference had also changed. The wild and raucous antics of Old Comedy might no longer have entertained the audience as before. The Greeks had a strong dedication to recreating realistic life on stage, and New Comedy reflected this by presenting relatable situations and characters.
Learn more about rise of New Comedy in ancient Greece