Month: August 2023

Introduction to Personification

Personification is a literary device where human qualities or characteristics are attributed to non-human entities or objects.

Literary Examples of Personification

These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which personification is used in literature to attribute human qualities and emotions to non-human entities, enhancing the depth and meaning of the text.

How to Create Personification

Creating personification is a fun and creative way to add depth and meaning to your writing. Here are some steps to follow to create personification:

1. Identify Objective or Idea: Choose an object or idea that you want to give human-like qualities to.
2. Determine Qualities of Object or Idea: Decide what specific human-like qualities you want to give to the object or idea.
3. Use Descriptive Language: Use descriptive language to create an image in the reader’s mind. Utilize sensory details like sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste to make the personification more vivid.
4. Be consistent: Once you have created the personification, be consistent in using it throughout your writing. This will help your readers understand and connect with the object or idea you have personified.
5. Edit and revise: After you have written it, read it over and make sure it flows well with the rest of your writing. Revise as needed to ensure that the personification enhances your writing and adds meaning.
6. Remember, personification is a literary device that can be used to add depth and meaning to your writing, so have fun with it and experiment with different ideas and descriptions.

Benefits of Personification

There are several benefits of using it in writing, including:

1. Breathe Life into Words: Unleashing Creativity: Transform your writing from mundane to magical as personification grants you the power to infuse non-human entities with vitality and charm, making your compositions a captivating voyage of imaginative expression.
2. Unveiling the Veiled: Illuminating Complex Ideas: Embrace the allure of personification as it unveils a gateway to comprehension, rendering intricate and abstract concepts relatable, enabling readers to grasp profound ideas with ease.
3. Unveiling Depth: Unleashing Profound Narratives: Embark on a literary adventure of profound proportions, for personification bestows inanimate objects and abstract notions with human-like attributes, breathing an unprecedented dimension of intrigue and contemplation into your prose.
4. The Artistry of Personification: Painting Pictures of Imagination: Master the art of literary imagery using this device, skillfully crafting vibrant and indelible mental pictures by endowing objects and ideas with human characteristics that resonate within the reader’s mind.
5. Forging Emotional Bonds: Empowering Words: Experience the emotional alchemy of personification, forging powerful connections between readers and the personified elements, evoking empathy and understanding that lingers long after the last word is read.

In short, it is a powerful literary device that enhances the impact of your writing in many ways, making it more creative, engaging, and memorable.

Personification and Literary Theory

Note: The examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and may not cover the entirety of the literary works’ complexities in each theoretical analysis. The interpretations may vary based on the critic’s individual perspectives and the specific literary elements being examined.

Suggested Readings

1. Attridge, Derek, and Henry Staten. The Craft of Poetry: Dialogues on Minimal Interpretation. Routledge, 2015.
2. Brooks, Cleanth. The Well Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry. Harcourt, Brace & World, 1947.
3. De Mul, Jos. The Tragedy of Finitude: Dilthey’s Hermeneutics of Life. Yale University Press, 2004.
4. Johnson, Mark. The Body in the Mind: The Bodily Basis of Meaning, Imagination, and Reason. University of Chicago Press, 1987.
5. Lakoff, George, and Mark Johnson. Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago Press, 2003.
6. Sternberg, Meir. The Poetics of Biblical Narrative: Ideological Literature and the Drama of Reading. Indiana University Press, 1985.
7. Turner, Mark. The Literary Mind: The Origins of Thought and Language. Oxford University Press, 1996.

You may read more on Literary Devices below:

• Prose: A Literary Genre
• Writing Prose; Critiquing Prose
• Propaganda: A Literary Device
• Propaganda: Creating and Critiquing It
• Protagonist: Creating and Critiquing

Etymology of Personification

The term “personification” originates from the Latin word personificare. It is a combination of persona (meaning “person”) and facere (meaning “to make” or “to create”). The concept of personification has its roots in ancient rhetoric and literary traditions, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It involves attributing human characteristics, emotions, or qualities to non-human entities or abstract concepts.

Meanings of Personification

1. Primary Meaning of Personification: The attribution of human qualities, such as emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, to non-human entities or objects.
2. Literary Use of Personification: Commonly employed in poetry to make abstract ideas more concrete and relatable; for instance, portraying death as a character with a specific personality and motivation.
3. Advertising Application of Personification: Utilized in advertising to make products relatable and approachable to consumers, where a personified object like a car may be featured in ads to appeal to potential buyers.
4. Everyday Speech: Used in everyday language to describe something using human characteristics to enhance understanding or emphasize a particular point.

Personification in Grammar

In grammar, personification is not a specific word category like a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. Instead, personification is a literary device or figure of speech used to give human qualities or characteristics to non-human things, animals, or ideas. It is often used in writing and literature to make descriptions more vivid and engaging.

Here are the grammatical word categories you requested, along with an example of personification:

1. Noun: A person, place, thing, or idea. Example: The sun smiled down on the children at the playground.
2. Verb: An action or state of being. Example: The wind whispered through the trees.
3. Adjective: A word that describes or modifies a noun. Example: The old house creaked with every step.
4. Adverb: A word that describes or modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Example: The leaves rustled softly in the breeze.

Definition of Personification

Personification is a literary device in which human characteristics are attributed to non-human things such as animals, objects, or natural phenomena. This technique is often used to create a more vivid and imaginative description, as well as to evoke emotions and convey deeper meanings.

Types of Personification

There are several types of personification used in literature:

Suggested Readings

1. Attridge, Derek, and Henry Staten. The Craft of Poetry: Dialogues on Minimal Interpretation. Routledge, 2015.
2. Brooks, Cleanth. The Well Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry. Harcourt, Brace & World, 1947.
3. De Mul, Jos. The Tragedy of Finitude: Dilthey’s Hermeneutics of Life. Yale University Press, 2004.
4. Johnson, Mark. The Body in the Mind: The Bodily Basis of Meaning, Imagination, and Reason. University of Chicago Press, 1987.
5. Lakoff, George, and Mark Johnson. Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago Press, 2003.
6. Sternberg, Meir. The Poetics of Biblical Narrative: Ideological Literature and the Drama of Reading. Indiana University Press, 1985.
7. Turner, Mark. The Literary Mind: The Origins of Thought and Language. Oxford University Press, 1996.

You may read more on Literary Devices:

• Meiosis: A Literary Device
• Rhythm: A Literary Device
• Adynaton: A Literary Device
• Adynatons: Creating and Critiquing It
• Adventure: A Literary Device
• Adventures: Creating and Critiquing

Introduction to Pathos

Pathos is a rhetorical and literary device employed to evoke intense emotions, particularly pity, sympathy, or empathy, in an audience. It is a persuasive technique that aims to stir an emotional response in readers or listeners by presenting relatable and emotionally charged situations or narratives. Through the strategic use of vivid descriptions, storytelling, and appeals to shared human experiences, pathos enhances the overall persuasiveness and impact of written or spoken discourse.

How to Create Pathos?

Benefits of Pathos

Pathos is a powerful tool in literature. It helps writers to create emotional connections with their readers and to evoke a range of emotions, including empathy, sympathy, and sadness. Here are some of the benefits of using pathos in your writing:

1. Emotional Connection: Pathos helps to create an emotional connection between the reader and the characters in a story. They also help the speakers to connect with the readers and audiences through emotional means.
2. Increased Engagement: When readers are emotionally invested in a story, they are more likely to continue reading and become more deeply engaged with the plot and characters.
3. Greater Impact: Using pathos can help to make a story more memorable and impactful by creating an emotional response in the reader. This helps ensure that the story stays with readers long after they have finished reading.
4. Greater Understanding: When readers feel empathy and sympathy for a character, they are more likely to understand their motivations and relate to their experiences. This can help to create a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.
5. Universal Appeal: Pathos is a universal tool that can appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds. By evoking emotions that are common in all humans, writers create stories that resonate with a wide audience.
6. Persuasion: Pathos helps speakers to emotionally connect with the readers and the audiences and persuade them effectively by manipulating emotions.

In fact, using pathos in literature is a highly powerful tool for writers to connect with their readers and create stories that are engaging, impactful, and memorable.

Pathos and Literary Theory

Pathos is a persuasive technique that appeals to the emotions of the readers or audiences. It is used in literature to create emotional connections with the readers, evoking sympathy or empathy for the characters, and adding depth to the themes and messages of a work. However, analyzing pathos in literary theory as a literary device is a highly tricky situation. Yet, it could be analyzed and studied using various literary theories, such as:

Suggested Readings

1. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1983.
2. Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Fiction. Prentice-Hall, 1959.
3. Burke, Kenneth. A Rhetoric of Motives. University of California Press, 1969.
4. Fisher, Walter R. Human Communication as Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value, and Action. University of South Carolina Press, 1987.
5. Olbrechts-Tyteca, Lucie, and Chaïm Perelman. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
6. Weaver, Richard M. The Ethics of Rhetoric. University of Chicago Press, 1953.

Etymology of Pathos

The English term “pathos” traces its roots to the ancient Greek word pathos (πάθος). Itoriginally referred to suffering, experience, or feeling. As it migrated into English, “pathos” retained its fundamental meaning as a powerful appeal to the emotions. It came to represent the quality or element in a work of art, literature, or speech that evokes pity, sympathy, or compassion in the audience.

Meanings of Pathos

1. Evoking Pity or Sadness: Pathos refers to a quality that elicits feelings of pity or sadness in art, literature, or performance.
2. Emotional Appeal in Persuasion: Pathos involves using emotions to influence an audience’s response in persuasive writing or speech.
3. Rhetorical Appeal: Pathos is one of the three main rhetorical appeals, alongside ethos and logos, emphasizing emotional persuasion.
4. Emotional State or Temperament: Pathos can describe a person’s overall emotional disposition, often associated with strong emotions or a sense of melancholy.

Pathos in Grammar

Grammatically, “pathos” is a singular noun that refers to a singular quality or emotion. However, it can be used in a plural form to refer to multiple instances or expressions of pathos. In this case, “pathos” takes on a plural form and becomes “pathoses”. However, it is important to note that the use of “pathoses” is relatively rare and not commonly used in everyday language. In most cases, the singular form “pathos” is sufficient to convey the intended meaning.

Definition of Pathos

Pathos, a literary device, refers to the use of language or imagery to evoke emotions in the reader or audience. It is often used in literature, particularly in works of fiction or drama, to create an emotional response and build a connection between the reader or audience and the characters or story. Pathos could also be used to create a range of emotions, from empathy and sympathy to sadness, anger, or even a sense of moral outrage.

Types of Pathos

There are several types of pathos that can be used in literature or other forms of communication to evoke emotional responses from the audience. Here are some common examples:

Literary Examples of Pathos

Suggested Readings

1. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1983.
2. Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Fiction. Prentice-Hall, 1959.
3. Burke, Kenneth. A Rhetoric of Motives. University of California Press, 1969.
4. Fisher, Walter R. Human Communication as Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value, and Action. University of South Carolina Press, 1987.
5. Olbrechts-Tyteca, Lucie, and Chaïm Perelman. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
6. Weaver, Richard M. The Ethics of Rhetoric. University of Chicago Press, 1953.

You may read more on Literary Devvices below:

• Induction: A Literary Device
• Induction: Creating and Critiquing
• Double Entendre: A Literary Device
• Double Entendre: Creating and Critiquing
• Discourse: Writing and Critiquing It

Introduction to Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic fallacy, an essential literary device, involves attributing human emotions, traits, or attributes to elements of the natural world such as weather, landscapes, or animals. Authors use this technique to create an emotional atmosphere, accentuating the mood or theme of their work. Specifically, supported by Romantic poets, this device serves to convey the emotional state of characters or the overarching tone of a narrative, thereby eliciting empathy and resonance among readers.

Literary Examples of Pathetic Fallacy

How to Create Pathetic Fallacy in a Fictional Work

Here are some tips on how to create pathetic fallacy in a fictional work:

These steps and examples demonstrate how to effectively utilize pathetic fallacy in your writing to enhance emotional depth and narrative impact.

Benefits of Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic fallacy is a powerful literary device that can bring several benefits to your writing. Here are some of the benefits of using pathetic fallacy in your work:

1. Creates atmosphere: Pathetic fallacy helps establish the overall mood and tone of your narrative, immersing readers in the desired atmosphere of your story.
2. Conveys emotions: It provides a subtle yet effective means to convey characters’ and situations’ emotions, allowing readers to connect with the story on an emotional level.
3. Adds depth and complexity: By attributing human qualities to the natural world, it adds layers of depth and complexity to your storytelling, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.
4. Foreshadows events: Pathetic fallacy can serve as a literary tool to hint at or foreshadow upcoming events or changes in the narrative, adding intrigue and suspense.
5. Enhances imagery: It aids in creating vivid mental images for readers, making your descriptions more evocative and memorable.
6. Symbolizes themes: You can use it to symbolize or mirror the overarching themes of your work, reinforcing the message you want to convey.
7. Facilitates character development: Pathetic fallacy can mirror or contrast with characters’ emotions, helping to highlight their internal struggles and growth throughout the story.
8. Engages readers’ senses: By connecting emotions with sensory experiences, it engages readers’ senses and makes your writing more immersive.
9. Evokes empathy: Readers often empathize more readily with characters when their emotions are reflected in the surrounding natural elements, enhancing reader-character connections.
10. Creates memorable moments: It can lead to powerful, memorable scenes that linger in readers’ minds long after they’ve finished your work.

Pathetic Fallacy and Literary Theory

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device that can be analyzed and interpreted through different literary theories. Here are some examples:

Overall, the use of it could be subjected to analysis and interpretations through a variety of literary theories, each offering a unique perspective on the role of natural elements in literature.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Wadsworth Publishing, 2013.
2. Barrell, John. The Idea of Landscape and the Sense of Place, 1730-1840: An Approach to the Poetry of John Clare. Cambridge University Press, 1972.
3. Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. Biographia Literaria. Oxford University Press, 1985.
4. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.
5. Eliot, T. S. The Waste Land. Faber and Faber, 1922.
6. Forsyth, Mark. The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase. Berkley, 2014.
7. Keats, John. Selected Poems. Penguin Classics, 2004.
8. Miller, J. Hillis. The Disappearance of God: Five Nineteenth-Century Writers. Harvard University Press, 1963.
9. Richardson, Alan. British Romanticism and the Science of the Mind. Cambridge University Press, 2001.
10. Shelley, Percy Bysshe. Prometheus Unbound. Oxford University Press, 1820.

Etymology of Pathetic Fallacy

The term “pathetic fallacy” originated in the 19th century. John Ruskin is stated to have used this phrase for the first time.

The word “pathetic” here does not refer to something pitiful but means “emotion” or “feeling.” It is a derivative of the Greek term, pathos. However, “fallacy” refers to a false or mistaken belief.

The purpose of Ruskin coining the term was to describe the perceived error of attributing human emotions or characteristics to inanimate objects.

Meanings of Pathetic Fallacy

1. Symbolism and Meaning: In literature, it means to deepen symbolism and meaning. By associating natural elements with human emotions, writers intend to evoke specific responses from readers, manipulate the atmosphere, or convey deeper meanings of the narrative.
2. Literary Device: Pathetic fallacy is a literary device used to attribute human emotions or characteristics to inanimate objects or nature. It involves projecting human qualities onto non-human entities to create a specific mood, emphasize certain aspects, or establish a connection between the human experience and the natural world.
3. Emotional Attribution: It involves ascribing feelings such as joy, sadness, anger, or fear to natural phenomena or non-living things, treating them as if they possess human-like sensibilities.
4. Ruskin’s Critique: Coined by the Victorian critic, John Ruskin, the term “pathetic fallacy” originated as a critique. Ruskin argued that attributing human emotions to nature was a fallacy, an error in perception or reasoning. He viewed it as an incorrect projection of human sentiment in the non-human world.
5. Rhetorical Effect: As a rhetorical device, writers use the pathetic fallacy intentionally to create a desired effect. It serves as a persuasive tool to engage readers emotionally, heighten the impact of a scene, or underscore thematic elements in a work.
6. Connection to Nature: It establishes a connection between humans and the natural world by anthropomorphizing elements of nature. It suggests that nature reflects or responds to human experiences, drawing parallels between the emotions felt by humans and the perceived responses of the environment.

Definition of Pathetic Fallacy

It is a literary device in which human emotions and qualities are attributed to inanimate objects or nature. It is a form of personification that suggests a flawed or mistaken representation of the world by ascribing human attributes to non-human entities.

Types of Pathetic Fallacy

Several types could be found in literature, including:

Common Examples

As is known that it is a literary device in which human emotions or characteristics are attributed to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena. Here are some common examples of pathetic fallacy:

These examples show how inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena are given human-like emotions or characteristics to create a deeper emotional impact on the reader.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Wadsworth Publishing, 2013.
2. Barrell, John. The Idea of Landscape and the Sense of Place, 1730-1840: An Approach to the Poetry of John Clare. Cambridge University Press, 1972.
3. Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. Biographia Literaria. Oxford University Press, 1985.
4. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.
5. Eliot, T. S. The Waste Land. Faber and Faber, 1922.
6. Forsyth, Mark. The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase. Berkley, 2014.
7. Keats, John. Selected Poems. Penguin Classics, 2004.
8. Miller, J. Hillis. The Disappearance of God: Five Nineteenth-Century Writers. Harvard University Press, 1963.
9. Richardson, Alan. British Romanticism and the Science of the Mind. Cambridge University Press, 2001.
10. Shelley, Percy Bysshe. Prometheus Unbound. Oxford University Press, 1820.

Introduction

Parody, as a literary device, involves the deliberate imitation and exaggeration of another work’s style, themes, or elements for comedic or satirical purposes. It often highlights and mocks the original work’s characteristics to create humor, critique, or commentary, relying on the audience’s familiarity with the source material for effective communication.

Literary Examples of Parody

• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

This novel parodies the Gothic genre popular in the late 18th century, with its exaggerated melodrama, mysterious castles, and fainting heroines. The protagonist, Catherine Morland, is a parody of the typical Gothic heroine, as she frequently misunderstands and misinterprets the situations, she finds herself in.

• Ulysses by James Joyce

This novel parodies the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer as it follows the protagonist, Leopold Bloom, on a single day in Dublin, rather than on a grand adventure. The novel also uses a stream-of-consciousness style that satirizes traditional narrative techniques.

• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

This novel parodies Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” by adding a zombie apocalypse to the story. The novel uses Austen’s original text as a framework, but adds elements of horror and action to create a humorous and unexpected effect.

• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This novel parodies the science fiction genre, with its absurd plot twists, quirky characters, and irreverent humor. The novel uses satire to critique the conventions of science fiction, while also offering a commentary on contemporary society.

Creating Parody in a Fictional Work: Tips for Humor and Social Commentary

Remember, creating successful parody involves a delicate blend of humor, commentary, and an understanding of the elements you’re satirizing.

Benefits of Using Parody in Creative Works

1. Engages the Audience
   • Parody captures attention by presenting familiar elements in unexpected and humorous ways.
   • The element of surprise and the challenge of recognizing references keep the audience engaged.
2. Offers Social Commentary
   • Parody can serve as a vehicle for subtle or direct commentary on societal issues, norms, and behaviors.
   • By exaggerating or twisting real-world situations, parody prompts reflection and critical thinking.
3. Allows for Creative Expression
   • Parody provides writers and creators a platform to showcase their wit, imagination, and creativity.
   • Through re-imagining established concepts, creators can explore unconventional ideas and perspectives.
4. Increases Exposure
   • Parodies often draw attention due to their connection to popular culture or well-known works.
   • The inherent humor and relatability can lead to content being shared widely, increasing visibility.
5. Builds Community
   • Parody often resonates with like-minded individuals who share an appreciation for the original work.
   • It fosters a sense of belonging and community among those who understand and enjoy the references.
6. Provides Relief
   • Parody serves as a comedic break, offering entertainment and laughter in a world filled with serious content.
   • It lightens the mood and provides relief from stress, making it a valuable form of escapism.

Using parody in creative works can be a powerful tool that not only entertains but also stimulates thought and fosters connections among creators and audiences.

Parody and Literary Theory

It can be analyzed through various literary theories, as it often involves the subversion or critique of existing literary conventions or genres. Here are some examples of literary theories that can be applied to the study of parody:

Suggested Readings

1. Eco, Umberto. The Role of the Reader: Explorations in the Semiotics of Texts. Indiana University Press, 1984.
2. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 2000.
3. Rabkin, Eric S. The Fantastic in Literature. Princeton University Press, 1976.
4. Rose, Maragret. Parody: Ancient, Modern, and Post-Modern. Cambridge University Press, 1995.
5. Wickham, Glynne William Gladstone. A History of the Theatre. Routledge, 2014.

Etymology of Parody

The word “parody” traces its roots back to the Greek word parōidia. It is a combination of para (meaning “beside” or “alongside”) and ōidē (meaning “song” or “ode”). The term originally referred to a type of poetic composition that imitated existing songs or verses, often with a satirical or humorous intention. The concept of parody evolved further in ancient Greek and Roman theatre, where it involved the imitation and exaggerated portrayal of well-known characters and their actions for comedic effect.

Meanings of Parody

1. Imitating Style, Tone, and Content: A parody directly imitates and replicates the specific style, tone, and content of a particular work, author, or genre.
2. Commentary and Critique: Parodies are created with the purpose of providing commentary or criticism on the original work or genre that is being parodied.
3. Humorous or Serious: Parodies can be created with a humorous intent, aiming to entertain and provoke laughter, or they can be more serious in nature, aiming to provoke thought and reflection.
4. Exaggeration and Irony: Parodies often use techniques such as exaggeration and irony to emphasize and mock the flaws or peculiarities of the original work or genre.
5. Cultural Commentary: Parodies serve as a means of cultural commentary, offering insights and criticisms of social and political norms that are present in society.
6. Historical Use: Parodies have been used throughout history as a means to challenge established societal and political norms, providing a platform for satire and criticism.

Parody in Grammar

• Noun: In grammar, “parody” primarily functions as a noun, referring to a humorous or satirical imitation of a particular work, author, or genre.
• Adjective: “Parody” can also be used as an adjective to describe something that resembles or is characteristic of a parody. For example, “a parody film” or “parody lyrics.”
• Verb: As a verb, “parody” describes the act of creating or imitating a work, author, or genre in a humorous or satirical manner. For example, “They parodied the popular TV show with their own comedic sketch.”
• Gerund: The gerund form of “parody” functions as a noun and is formed by adding “-ing” to the verb form. For example, “Creating parodies is his favorite hobby.”
• Participial Adjective: The present participle form of “parody” (-ing form) can be used as an adjective to describe something that is in the process of being parodied. For example, “The singer delivered a parody performance, imitating famous musicians.”
• Derived Forms: Additional derived forms of “parody” include “parodied” (past tense verb), “parodies” (plural noun), and “parodying” (present participle verb).

Remember, the different grammatical forms of it allow for versatility in expressing the concept of humorous or satirical imitation in various linguistic contexts.

Definition of Parody

As a literary device, it is an imitation of a particular work or style of writing in a way that exaggerates or emphasizes its key features for humorous or satirical effect. It is intended to mock or ridicule the original work, author, or genre by exposing its flaws, exaggerating its weaknesses, or turning its conventions on their head.

Types of Parody

There are several types of parody, each of which involves a different approach to imitating and mocking an original work or genre. Some common types of parody include:

Suggested Readings

1. Eco, Umberto. The Role of the Reader: Explorations in the Semiotics of Texts. Indiana University Press, 1984.
2. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 2000.
3. Rabkin, Eric S. The Fantastic in Literature. Princeton University Press, 1976.
4. Rose, Maragret. Parody: Ancient, Modern, and Post-Modern. Cambridge University Press, 1995.
5. Wickham, Glynne William Gladstone. A History of the Theatre. Routledge, 2014.