Parody is imitation of a specific work or style for comic or critical effect. It requires the audience to recognize both the original and the imitation for the humor to land.

What is the difference between parody and satire?

Parody imitates a specific text or style. Satire attacks a social target. They overlap but are distinct: not all parody is satirical, and not all satire is parody.

Home / Library / What is Parody

THE LIBRARY

What is Parody?

Parody imitates a specific work or style in order to mock or comment on it. It requires the audience to recognize both the original and the imitation.

Parody vs satire

Parody imitates a specific text or style. Satire attacks a social institution or behavior. Don Quixote is parody — it imitates romance novels to mock them. Swift's A Modest Proposal is satire — it imitates policy documents to attack British treatment of the Irish.

Parody vs pastiche

Parody requires comic or critical intent — the imitation is pointed. Pastiche imitates a style affectionately or neutrally. Both are forms of imitation; parody adds the element of critique or mockery.

What is Parody?

Parody vs satire

Parody vs pastiche

Related reading