What is a high comedy?

High comedy is a sophisticated form of humor that often relies on wit, irony, and intellectual engagement rather than physical action or slapstick. It typically explores themes of social manners, class distinctions, and human behavior, using clever dialogue and intricate plots. This style often appeals to an educated audience and can be found in literature, theater, and film, exemplified by works from playwrights like Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.