Comedy of manners often satirizes:
a
The complexities of human existence
b
Social behaviors, etiquette, and moral codes
c
Absurd and illogical situations
d
Historical figures and events
b
Social behaviors, etiquette, and moral codes
b. Social behaviors, etiquette, and moral codes
The correct answer is b: Social behaviors, etiquette, and moral codes.
Comedy of manners is a genre that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily in England. It is a form of comedy that satirizes the social customs and conventions of a particular society or class. Through humorous portrayals and exaggerated characterizations, comedy of manners often aims to critique and ridicule the social behaviors, etiquette, and moral codes of the time.
To arrive at this answer, one can break down the options and consider what comedy of manners represents. "The complexities of human existence" (option a) is a broad concept that could apply to many forms of comedy, not just comedy of manners. "Absurd and illogical situations" (option c) also includes many other comedic genres, such as farce or slapstick, and is not specific to comedy of manners. "Historical figures and events" (option d) may be subjects of satire in various comedic works but are not the primary focus of comedy of manners.
By process of elimination, option b, which aligns with the themes and objectives of comedy of manners, is the correct answer.