Final answer:
The question asks about Shakespeare's use of comic relief, typically through humorous scenes or characters of lower social ranks. Shakespeare's comedies are known for their lighthearted themes, use of comedic devices like mistaken identities, and often conclude with a happy ending. They also provide a critical commentary on social norms through humor and satire. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of utilizing comic relief to alleviate tension in dramatic works, particularly through the use of humorous scenes or characters, is often attributed to William Shakespeare. He frequently employed servants and individuals of lower societal ranks to introduce levity and amusement within his plays.
One of Shakespeare's most iconic comedic techniques involves the interplay between characters of noble birth and ordinary people, exemplifying the sharp contrast between societal classes in both overt and subtle humor.
Shakespeare's comedies, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, often revolve around light-hearted themes rather than life-and-death scenarios common in tragedies.
The characters in these comedic plays face practical choices and engage in comedic devices such as misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and extreme physicality, which lead to a series of farcical situations. The correct option is b.