What is the significance of the word comedy (comedia) in the Divine Comedy's title?

A. It contradicts common thoughts of religious joy.

B. It signifies a story that begins sadly but ends happily.

C. It means the story has a humorous tone.

D. It emphasizes the importance of comedy in serious situations.

The significance of the word comedy in the title of Divine Comedy is because (B) It signifies that the story begins sadly but ends happily.

In the 14th century, ancient poems were titled either High (tragedy) or Low (comedy). Low poems often had happy endings and dealt with more base and vulgar subjects.