Parody

Definition

Parody is a humorous or satirical imitation of a particular genre, work, or style, often exaggerating characteristics for comedic effect. It serves to critique or comment on the original piece while entertaining the audience through its playful mimicry. Parody can highlight societal norms and literary conventions, allowing readers to engage with the source material from a different perspective.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In John Fowles's works, parody often serves as a tool to critique traditional narrative forms and conventions within the English novel.
2. Fowles uses parody to blur the lines between high art and popular culture, making literary elements accessible while also poking fun at them.
3. His incorporation of parody reflects a postmodern sensibility that questions the reliability of narration and the nature of storytelling itself.
4. Parody in Fowles's writing allows readers to engage critically with his texts, prompting them to consider deeper themes such as identity and authorship.
5. By employing parody, Fowles not only entertains but also invites readers to question established literary norms and the boundaries of fiction.

Review Questions

• How does Fowles use parody to challenge traditional narrative forms in his writing?
  • Fowles uses parody to challenge traditional narrative forms by imitating and exaggerating their conventions. This approach allows him to expose their limitations and provoke thought about the nature of storytelling. By adopting familiar styles and tropes but twisting them for comedic effect, he invites readers to reconsider what they expect from narratives and encourages a critical engagement with literary norms.
• Discuss the relationship between parody and metafiction in Fowles's works. How do they complement each other?
  • In Fowles's works, parody and metafiction are closely related as both techniques encourage self-reflection on the act of storytelling. Parody highlights the absurdities of certain literary conventions while metafiction emphasizes the constructed nature of narratives. Together, they create a layered reading experience that allows readers to appreciate both the humor in the parody and the deeper implications of metafiction, ultimately questioning authorship and reality in fiction.
• Evaluate the impact of parody on reader engagement in Fowles's novels. What insights can it provide about broader cultural or literary themes?
  • Parody significantly impacts reader engagement in Fowles's novels by prompting audiences to critically analyze both the text and its relation to broader cultural and literary themes. By using humor and exaggeration, Fowles encourages readers to recognize the playful nature of storytelling while also addressing serious subjects like identity and societal expectations. This interaction fosters a deeper understanding of how literature reflects and critiques cultural norms, enabling readers to find meaning beyond mere entertainment.

Related terms

satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, society, or political issues.

pastiche:

A work that imitates the style of another artist or genre but does so in a celebratory or respectful manner, rather than for comedic effect.

metafiction:

A form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the boundaries between reality and narrative.