I was shocked to discover recently that a sizable portion of creative writing students do not get parody. Of about 100 high school juniors and seniors, only an odd dozen or so were able to explain what constitutes satire or parody. Fewer still were able to write a piece of parody or satire. Interesting. Given that the buk of comedy on television, in films and in books is essentially satire or parody. Other generations caught glimpses of parody. Aristophanes ‘Clouds’, the comic operas of Messiuers Gilbert and Sullivan, post revolution France from the Marquis de Sade and Voltaire, my beloved Oscar Wilde and some of Shakespeare.
Lest you or someone you love should find yourself in need of a basic knowledge of parody and woefully lacking therewhich, I’ve assembled a primer of satire and parody. Arm yourself for impending battles of wit or potential writing assignments which loom.
First, a definition of parody and satire. To parody someone or something is to exaggerate their foibles and mannerisms and exploit them for the purpose of comedy. I always say to students that ‘parody is a verbal charicature’. Satire is parody in writing or literature. In the vernacular, satire is called a ‘mock-up’ of an existing serious work, person, theme or concept. Persons are painted ‘in extremis’.
Next, it is important to note that while satire may point an ethical or moral finger, the theme of parody is not didactic, pedantic or dogmatic. And to further sharpen the pencil point, parody is esoteric meaninglessness. Satire is a finely executed ballet of words to no intended purpose. Perfect nothingness. Departing from the beaten path.
Satire is caustic and cynical. Satire and parody exploit the quirky and unique. Parody exaggerates mannerisms and silly habits. Satire isn’t necessarily cruel. In fact the better satire doesn’t rely on humor ‘below the belt’. Satire is funny when it parodies posturing and self-aggrandizaton. Good satire is witty and astute; often, parody is simply an expression of what the audience was already thinking. And the best satirists are able to laugh at themselves and parody their own idiosyncrasies.
Here is a modern idea that may help you understand parody. A favored term today among the pupae of our species is ‘random’. Wee mites to jaded teens, especially males pride themselves on their ability to be ‘random’. I suspect that what these small people seek is a break from convention, a free form verse, a lineless paper. Ironically, and as so often happens, their quest for individuality unites them in conformity, but that lesson will come in time. Parody is Mecca and Medina for the seekers of Random.
Would you like an example of parody or satire? Of course you would. I can not even think about parody without Monty Python creeping in like Michigan lake effect snow. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is the coup de grace or parody, but Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life are close contenders. Pay attention to the subtle nuances, the timing and rythym and best of all, the dialogue.
Begin to explore parody and satire by looking funny habits that you yourself have. Write a desciption of yourself
that exaggerates your own funny mannerisms. When you have yourself down, then try characturing others in words.
