Theory of Parody in Literature

Theory of Parody: Term, Definition and Concept

Theory of Parody:

Parody in theory of pardoy refers to a form of creative expression that intentionally imitates and mocks the style, conventions, or content of another work, usually for comedic effect. It involves a deliberate exaggeration or distortion of the original work’s characteristics, often with the aim of satirizing or commenting on the source material. The theory of parody encompasses the examination of the underlying mechanisms, purposes, and cultural implications of this artistic practice.

Definition:

• Imitative Expression: Parody involves the creation of an imitative work that mimics the recognizable features of the original.
• Mocking Tone: A crucial element of parody is the use of a mocking or satirical tone, intending to entertain or critique.
• Exaggeration and Distortion: Parodies often employ exaggeration and distortion of the original elements to highlight and emphasize specific traits or flaws.
• Cultural Commentary: Beyond humor, parody serves as a tool for cultural commentary, offering insights and reflections on societal norms, trends, and values.
• Creative Transformation: While parody relies on imitation, it also involves a creative transformation of the source material to produce a distinct and unique work.

Concept:

• Artistic Satire: Parody functions as a form of artistic satire, using humor and imitation to comment on various aspects of culture, literature, or other forms of media.
• Fair Use and Copyright: The concept of parody is often discussed in the context of fair use in copyright law, as it raises questions about the balance between artistic freedom and intellectual property rights.
• Cultural Resonance: Successful parodies resonate with the cultural awareness of the audience, drawing on shared knowledge and references to enhance the impact of the satire.
• Genre Play: Parody frequently involves playing with established genres, conventions, or tropes, subverting expectations and providing a fresh perspective on familiar themes.
• Intertextuality: Parodies rely on intertextuality, connecting with the audience’s familiarity with the original work to create layers of meaning and significance.

Theory of Parody: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Notable Works	Key Arguments
Mikhail Bakhtin	N/A	Bakhtin’s concept of “carnival” and “dialogism” contributes to understanding how parody can subvert and challenge dominant cultural norms.
Linda Hutcheon	A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms	Hutcheon explores the role of parody in postmodern culture, emphasizing its subversive potential and its impact on the creation of new meaning.
Simon Dentith	Parody	Dentith examines the historical development of parody, its literary forms, and its relationship with satire, irony, and other modes of humor.
Jonathan Gray	Show Sold Separately: Promos, Spoilers, and Other Media Paratexts	Gray focuses on paratextual elements in media, arguing that promotional materials and spoilers can function as forms of parody.
Henri Bergson	Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic	Bergson’s theories on laughter and comedy provide insights into the psychological aspects of humor, which can be relevant to the understanding of parody.
Fredric Jameson	Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism	Jameson discusses parody within the context of postmodernism, exploring how it reflects the fragmented nature of contemporary culture.

Theory of Parody: Key Principles

• Imitative Creativity:
  • Literary Reference: In Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, the protagonist’s misguided attempts at chivalry often serve as a humorous parody of romanticized knightly ideals.
• Mocking Tone:
  • Literary Reference: The satirical tone of Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal parodies the callousness of British attitudes toward the Irish, using irony to criticize societal injustices.
• Exaggeration and Distortion:
  • Literary Reference: Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland employs exaggeration and distortion to parody the rigid social norms and nonsensical aspects of Victorian society.
• Cultural Commentary:
  • Literary Reference: George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a political parody that uses animals to satirize the Russian Revolution and explore broader themes of power and corruption.
• Creative Transformation:
  • Literary Reference: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith creatively transforms Jane Austen’s classic novel, adding a zombie apocalypse element as a humorous and parodic twist.
• Artistic Satire:
  • Literary Reference: Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest satirizes Victorian society’s obsession with social manners and trivialities through witty dialogue and absurd situations.
• Fair Use and Copyright:
  • Literary Reference: The character of Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye has been parodied in various works, raising questions about the boundaries of literary homage and copyright.
• Cultural Resonance:
  • Literary Reference: Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series parodies various fantasy tropes, connecting with readers familiar with the genre while offering a humorous and insightful commentary on societal issues.
• Genre Play:
  • Literary Reference: Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey playfully parodies Gothic novels of the time, highlighting the absurdity of the genre’s conventions through the experiences of its naive protagonist.
• Intertextuality:
  • Literary Reference: James Joyce’s Ulysses is rich in intertextuality, incorporating references and parodies of various literary styles, making it a challenging yet rewarding exploration of modernist literature.

Theory of Parody: Application in Critiques

1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes:
   • Parody is evident in Cervantes’ masterpiece as he skillfully mocks the conventions of chivalric romances through the misadventures of Don Quixote. The imitative creativity employed by Cervantes sheds light on the absurdity of idealized knightly pursuits, offering a satirical commentary on the societal norms of his time.
2. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift:
   • Swift’s use of a mocking tone in “A Modest Proposal” is a prime example of how parody can be a powerful tool for social critique. Through the exaggerated suggestion of using infants for economic gain, Swift parodies the heartless attitudes of the British ruling class towards the impoverished Irish, providing a scathing commentary on colonial exploitation.
3. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith:
   • Grahame-Smith’s creative transformation of Jane Austen’s classic in “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” demonstrates the principle of parody through genre play. The addition of a zombie apocalypse element serves as a humorous exaggeration, satirizing societal expectations while offering a fresh and entertaining perspective on the original work.
4. Animal Farm by George Orwell:
   • Orwell’s “Animal Farm” serves as a powerful example of how parody can be utilized for cultural commentary. By using animals to represent political figures and events of the Russian Revolution, Orwell parodies the historical narrative, exposing the corruption and power struggles within a satirical framework that resonates with a broader audience.

Each of these literary works showcases the diverse applications of the theory of parody, from critiquing societal norms and political structures to creatively transforming genres and commenting on cultural expectations.

Theory of Parody: Criticism Against It

1. Lack of Originality:
   • Critics argue that parody, by its nature of imitation and exaggeration, may lack genuine originality. The reliance on existing works for inspiration might be seen as a limitation, as it may not contribute significantly to the creation of entirely new and innovative artistic expressions.
2. Risk of Trivialization:
   • Parody runs the risk of trivializing serious subjects or diluting the impact of important issues. Using humor and satire in parody can sometimes undermine the gravity of the themes being addressed, leading to a perception that certain topics are not treated with the seriousness they deserve.
3. Potential for Misinterpretation:
   • The satirical nature of parody can be misunderstood, leading to misinterpretations or the reinforcement of stereotypes. Audiences may not always discern the intended critique, and the parody might inadvertently contribute to perpetuating harmful ideas or misconceptions.
4. Cultural Insensitivity:
   • Critics argue that some parodies, especially those involving cultural elements, may be culturally insensitive or offensive. Misappropriation and misrepresentation can occur when parodying certain cultural, religious, or ethnic aspects, leading to accusations of disrespect or cultural appropriation.
5. Overemphasis on Humor:
   • The strong association of parody with humor can overshadow its potential for serious cultural and political commentary. Some argue that the focus on entertaining elements may distract from the underlying messages or critiques embedded in the parody.
6. Erosion of Meaning:
   • In cases where parody becomes too prevalent, there is a concern that it might contribute to the erosion of the meaning and significance of original works. Constant reinterpretation and distortion may dilute the impact and depth of the source material over time.
7. Legal and Ethical Issues:
   • The theory of parody intersects with legal and ethical considerations, especially regarding copyright infringement. Determining the boundaries of fair use and the potential for financial harm to original creators can be contentious, leading to legal disputes and debates over intellectual property.

While these criticisms highlight potential drawbacks, it’s important to note that the effectiveness and ethical implications of parody often depend on the skill of the creator, the context in which it is presented, and the audience’s interpretation. Despite criticism, parody remains a dynamic and influential form of artistic expression.

Theory of Parody: Terms Used in It

Literary Term	Definition (Parody Context)
Satire	Humorous criticism to mock vices.
Irony	Opposite intended meaning.
Exaggeration	Intentional overstatement.
Allusion	Indirect reference for meaning.
Mimicry	Imitating for comedic effect.
Burlesque	Exaggerated imitation, lowbrow.
Caricature	Exaggeration for humor.
Intertextuality	Connection to other texts.
Metafiction	Self-aware narrative.
Incongruity	Creating humor through the unexpected.

Theory of Parody: Suggested Readings

1. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 2000.
2. Jameson, Fredric. Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism. Duke University Press, 1991.
3. Kant, Immanuel. “The Critique of Judgment.” Critique of Judgment. Translated by Werner S. Pluhar, Hackett Publishing Company, 1987.
4. Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver’s Travels. Edited by Robert Demaria Jr., Norton Critical Edition, W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.