The sentence draws comparison of a play 'Edward II' with some other plays by the dramatist.
So, a comparative degree adjective is required here.
We use 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to make comparisons when the things we are comparing are equal in some way. And, in this construct, the adjective needs to be in the positive degree, but 'least' in option (a) is the superlative degree. Hence, option (a) is the answer.
'Most tragic' is also superlative in degree.
'Less tragic' is comparative in degree, and hence option (d) is contextually and grammatically correct.
The correct sentence is: Edward II is less tragic than some other plays by the dramatist.
Hence, option (d) is the answer.
Note: · The Positive Degree is used to denote the mere existence of some quality of what we speak about. It is used when no comparison is made.
· The Comparative degree denotes a higher degree of quality than the positive and is used when two things are compared.
· The Superlative degree indicates the highest degree of quality and is used when more than two things (or sets of things) are compared.
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