Introduction to ParodyUnit 2: Part 2 ENG 101 Fall 2012
Definition of Parody From A Glossary of Literary Terms, 8th Edition. Ed.
M.H. Abrams. Thomas Wadsworth.
“A composition in which the characteristic style and themes of a particular author or genre are satirized by being applied to inappropriate or unlikely subjects, or are otherwise exaggerated for comic effect.”
What is the purpose of a parody?
Attempt to mock, trivialize, or comment on an original or pre-existing work
Attempt to imitate the style of another author or work as an attempt at humor
Who is the audience for a parody?
The audience for a parody must know the original
Parodies work best when the audience knows the original VERY well- they will be able to catch the minor and major points of imitation.
Thus, the CONTEXT of a parody depends on the context of the original genre that is being parodied.
Example 1: Movies
Example 1 Is this a parody?
How does it work?
Example 2: Real Housewives Original:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUwChzl_jPg
Parody:
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/disney-housewives/1405135
Example 2 Is this a parody?
How does it work?
Example 3: Bad Lip Reading Original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoUT7q2iTbQ
Parody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjGk_jU6t5A
Example 3 Is this a parody?
How does it work?
Example 4: Movie Trailers Recut
Original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOfH7uEojKk
Parody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T5_0AGdFic
Example 4 Is this a parody?
How does it work?
How do parodies work? What are common genre conventions that appear
in the parody examples we have just seen?
What makes a parody “work”?
Activity Find an example of parody to share with your group
members during class on Wednesday.
Make sure you know the original genre that is being parodied.
Make sure you are able to explain why this is a parody and how it works.