Final answer:
William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is considered a comedy because it incorporates humorous scenarios, fantastical elements, and ends happily, aligning with the defining characteristics of the comedic genre.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare, is considered a comedy because it primarily features humorous and fantastical elements that are characteristic of the comedic genre. Unlike a tragedy that often ends with death or a downfall due to a character's tragic flaw, a comedy typically includes a light-hearted tone, entertaining scenarios, and a happy resolution, often indicated by a wedding. The play uses various comedic devices such as misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and lighthearted themes that are aimed at making the audience laugh, hence fulfilling the criteria of a comedy.