Parody: Spotting, Using and Writing

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

Step	Explanation	Example
Identify the Elements You Want to Parody	Pinpoint specific themes, characters, situations, or tropes you wish to satirize. Choose elements that are recognizable to your audience for maximum impact.	Parody the “chosen one” trope by creating a protagonist who is anything but heroic.
Mimic the Style	Study the writing style, tone, and techniques of the original work or genre you’re parodying. Replicate the linguistic and narrative features to create a convincing imitation.	Parody a gothic romance novel by using overly dramatic language and descriptions in a comedic context.
Add a Twist	Infuse your parody with unexpected deviations from the original, creating humorous contrasts. Subvert audience expectations while still maintaining a connection to the source material.	In a parody of a detective story, reveal that the crime was committed by a character who had been portrayed as innocent throughout the story.
Use Humor and Satire	Employ wit, clever wordplay, and exaggeration to generate comedic effects. Utilize satire to criticize, mock, or comment on real-world issues through fictional representation.	Create a political satire by portraying fantastical creatures running for office and highlighting absurdities in the political system.
Be Respectful	Approach parody with a lighthearted intent rather than malicious mockery. Avoid crossing the line into offensive or hurtful territory.	Parody a celebrity’s mannerisms without attacking their personal life or making hurtful jokes.
Get Feedback	Share your work with beta readers or peers to gauge their reactions and identify areas for improvement. Constructive feedback can help refine your parody’s effectiveness and relevance.	Share your comedic parody script with a group of friends and revise it based on their suggestions for better comedic timing.

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:

Literary Theory	Critique of Parody in the Theory	Example
Structuralism Literary Theory	Parody subverts or plays with established literary structures or conventions	In Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, Don Quixote, the protagonist’s misguided quest to become a knight-errant parodies the traditional chivalric romances, subverting the established narrative and character roles of the genre.
Postmodernism Literary Theory	Parody blends genres or styles, embraces irony and self-reflexivity, reflecting fragmented reality	“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot is a postmodern poem that incorporates multiple voices, literary references, and fragmented imagery, blending different styles and genres to create a complex, ironic, and self-aware reflection of the fragmented modern world.
Marxism Literary Theory	Parody critiques or exposes underlying power structures in a genre or cultural trend	George Orwell’s novel, Animal Farm is a satirical allegory that parodies the Russian Revolution and critiques the power dynamics and corruption of the ruling class, highlighting the exploitation and manipulation inherent in the political system.
Feminism Literary Theory	Parody challenges or subverts traditional gender roles or stereotypes	In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the unreliable narrator’s descent into madness parodies and critiques the restrictive gender roles imposed on women in the 19th century, exposing the damaging effects of patriarchal society.
Cultural Studies	Parody reflects or critiques cultural trends or values of a specific time or community	In Douglas Adams’ novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the comedic and satirical elements parody and critique various cultural and social aspects of contemporary society, including bureaucracy, technology, and the human pursuit of meaning.

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.