Not to be confused with the dance, burlesque is an advanced, fun writing style typically used to make fun of a person, group, object, idea, or belief. One of the most recognized works of burlesque writing is Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.
What is Burlesque?
Burlesque is a form of writing that uses a combination of comedy, satire, and wit to mock its subject. The foundations of burlesque writing are rooted in humor to draw the reader or audience’s attention to the problem being addressed. Burlesque is often used to poke fun at a particular person or group or to make a political or social statement.
A famous example of burlesque writing is A Modest Proposal, Jonathan Swift proposes the solution to the food shortage is to eat the nation’s poor children. While the proposal itself is outrageous, Swift uses humor to make it less offensive and hold the reader’s attention.
How to pronounce Burlesque?
When and Why Do Writers Use Burlesque?
Writers use the burlesque style when they want to mock, poke fun at, or draw attention to a person, subject, or literary work. They use humor to draw attention to the problem they see and illustrate how ridiculous or untruthful it really is.
Burlesque writers often take a serious topic and make light of it by making fun of a person or situation. They often use a combination of satire, parody, comedy, and wit to keep the reader or audience’s attention while drawing attention to a bigger problem. by
What are the Two Main Types of Burlesque?
In writing, there are two main types of burlesque. We’ve outlined here for you to review.
High – This style often mimics the heroics of an epic poem and largely consists of parody and mock-heroics. This type of burlesque is written in a dramatic, sophisticated style and reads like an argument between a husband and wife. Although it has been deemed too long to be a true work of burlesque, Miguel Cervantes’ Don Quixote is an excellent example of high burlesque.
Low – Low burlesque mocks its subject in a very low, demeaning way. Considered to be a travesty, this type is a lewd and sexually suggestive, and mocking imitation of another work. Geoffery Chaucer’s, “The Miller’s Tale,” from The Canterbury Tales is an example of low burlesque.
Burlesque in Literature 📚
In literature burlesque takes many forms ranging from essay to play to opera and to novella. The very astute writers then take up their pens (or laptops in today’s world) and begin writing away to transform a problem into a comedic, yet serious, call to action. Here is an accumulation of some of the most notable works of burlesque writing.
Jonathan Swift uses a combination of sarcasm, satire, and wit to draw attention to the issues of poverty and famine in Ireland. in his essay, A Modest Proposal.
“I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust.”
Other great examples include:
- The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer
- The Dunciad, Alexander Pope
- Virgile Travesti, Paul Scarron
- The Rape of the Lock, Alexander Pope
- The Beggar’s Opera, John Gay
Burlesque in Film and Pop Culture 🎥
While there are many, many examples of burlesque dance and culture in film and pop culture there exist many, many examples which can be considered examples of the burlesque writing style. But, they are out there.
A great example of the modern burlesque is O’ Brother, Where Art Thou (2000) which parodies Homer’s The Odyssey. In this film, Everett is modeled after Odysseus and is considered to be a great tactician and a fast-talking man of great wit. Both men are reckless in their decision-making but remain loyal to their friends.
Often Mistaken for and Related to Burlesque 👥
So closely related are burlesque, parody, and satire that it can become quite confusing trying to distinguish between them. The trick is to pick up on the subtle differences between them. Here, we have attempted to clarify parody and satire to avoid further confusion.
- Parody – Often referred to as a spoof or satire, a parody is an exaggerated imitation of a specific artist, work, or event, often with a negative intent. Parodies typically make their subject to draw attention to or emphasize a point. Parody is often incorporated into burlesque.
- Satire – Satire uses humor, irony, exaggeration, and imagery to make fun of society and its vices. Satire uses exaggerated language and often incorporates sarcasm to make a point. Very similar to parody, satire is also commonly incorporated into burlesque for purposes of exaggeration.
FAQ 🤔
What is burlesque in literature?
Burlesque is a literary genre and device that creates humor by parodying or mocking a subject, style, or work through exaggeration, absurdity, or imitation. It often targets highbrow or serious topics, presenting them in a comical, exaggerated manner to highlight their absurdity or to entertain.
How does burlesque differ from satire?
While both burlesque and satire involve humor and criticism, burlesque focuses on creating laughs through exaggeration and absurdity without necessarily aiming to provoke change or highlight moral shortcomings. Satire, on the other hand, uses humor, irony, and wit to criticize or expose flaws in individuals, society, or politics, often with the intent of inducing change.
What are common techniques used in burlesque?
Common techniques in burlesque include exaggeration, parody, ridicule, and imitation. These methods are employed to amplify the ridiculousness of the subject matter, style, or genre being mocked, often by taking something dignified and presenting it in a trivial, incongruous manner.
Can burlesque be found in both literature and performance?
Yes, burlesque can be found in both literature and performance. In literature, it takes the form of texts that mock a serious work, genre, or style through exaggeration and humor. In performance, it historically referred to theatrical entertainments that parodied serious plays or operas, and today it is also associated with a variety of stage performances that combine parody, humor, and extravagant costumes.
Why do authors use burlesque?
Authors use burlesque to entertain by turning serious, pompous, or overwrought subjects into something laughable and accessible. It allows writers to critique social norms, literary styles, or philosophical ideas by presenting them in an exaggerated, humorous manner, thereby making their commentary more engaging and digestible for the audience.