Human deficiencies are described in a tragicomical way. He also points to the grotesque and tragicomical, silent film-like elements. The Egoist is a tragicomical novel by George Meredith published in 1879. The lowest degree, which he labels tragicomical, is strong but short-lived without any lasting effects. Often tragicomical, his films present stories that are inspired by reality, with often non-professional actors.