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.