Introduction
Parody is a literary device that involves the imitation of a particular writer, artist, or genre, exaggerating it deliberately to produce a comic effect. This technique is used to entertain but often also to comment on or criticize the original work, highlighting its flaws, absurdities, or peculiarities. 😄🎭
Pronunciation
Par-o-dy
How Writers Use Parody
Writers use parody to:
- Entertain: Create humor by mimicking and exaggerating well-known works.
- Critique: Offer criticism or commentary on the original work, its style, or its subject matter.
- Showcase Creativity: Demonstrate their own creativity and wit through clever imitation.
- Engage Audiences: Engage readers or viewers who are familiar with the original work and can appreciate the humor.
Types of Parody
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Literary Parody | Imitates the style and themes of specific literary works or authors. | “The Wind Done Gone” by Alice Randall (parody of “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell) |
| Film Parody | Mimics popular movies, exaggerating their tropes and clichés. | “Scary Movie” series (parodies of horror films) |
| Musical Parody | Takes well-known songs and alters the lyrics for comedic effect. | “Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Eat It” (parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”) |
| Social Parody | Satirizes societal norms, politics, or cultural phenomena. | “The Colbert Report” (parody of political commentary shows) |
Rules for Using Parody
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Understand the Original | A deep understanding of the original work is essential to create an effective parody. |
| Exaggerate Features | Focus on exaggerating distinctive features or elements of the original for comedic effect. |
| Maintain Respect | While parody involves humor and critique, it should avoid being mean-spirited. |
| Be Creative | Use parody as a platform to showcase your own creativity and wit. |
Examples in Literature, Poetry, Songs, Movies, and Advertising
Parody in Literature
| Work | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” | Seth Grahame-Smith | Combines Jane Austen’s classic with zombie fiction. |
| “Bored of the Rings” | Henry Beard and Douglas Kenney | A parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” |
| “The Wind Done Gone” | Alice Randall | A retelling of “Gone with the Wind” from the perspective of a slave. |
Watch a discussion about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Review
Parody in Poetry
| Poem | Poet | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “The Wasteland” (Parody) | Wendy Cope | “Waste Land Limericks,” a humorous take on T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land.” |
| “Sonnet 130” Parody | Unknown | A modern, humorous version of Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 130.” |
| “Casey at the Bat” Parody | Garrison Keillor | “Casey at the Bat (Road Game),” a funny twist on the original by Ernest Thayer. |
Listen to Waste Land Limericks by Wendy Cope: Waste Land Limericks Reading
Parody in Songs
| Song | Artist | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “Eat It” | “Weird Al” Yankovic | Parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” |
| “Amish Paradise” | “Weird Al” Yankovic | Parody of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise.” |
| “White & Nerdy” | “Weird Al” Yankovic | Parody of Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’.” |
Watch Eat It by “Weird Al” Yankovic: Eat It Music Video
Parody in Movies
| Movie | Director | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “Scary Movie” | Keenen Ivory Wayans | Parody of horror films, especially “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” |
| “Spaceballs” | Mel Brooks | Parody of the “Star Wars” franchise. |
| “Austin Powers” | Jay Roach | Parody of James Bond films. |
Watch a scene from Scary Movie: Scary Movie Scene
Parody in Advertising
| Ad | Company | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “Old Spice” | Old Spice | “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” parodies hyper-masculine advertising. |
| “Dove” | Dove | “Real Beauty Sketches” parodies unrealistic beauty standards in ads. |
| “Geico” | Geico | Geico’s humorous ads often parody serious insurance commercials. |
Watch an Old Spice ad: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like Ad
FAQs about Parody
What is a parody?
Parody is a literary device that involves the imitation of a particular writer, artist, or genre, exaggerating it deliberately to produce a comic effect.
Why is parody effective?
Parody adds humor, offers critique, showcases creativity, and engages audiences familiar with the original work.
Can parody be used in all genres?
Yes, parody can be adapted to various genres to add humor, critique, and engagement.
Related Devices
Satire
Satire uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or expose flaws in society, individuals, or institutions.
Pastiche
Pastiche is a work that imitates the style or character of another work, often to celebrate it rather than mock it.
Irony
Irony involves saying the opposite of what one means, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
Spoof
A spoof is a humorous imitation of something, typically a film or genre, in which its characteristic features are exaggerated for comic effect.