Parody: No Laughing Matter - Rhetoric | Academy 4 Social Change
Parody: Lesson Plan
Topic
A parody is an imitation of a work or author that aims to poke fun at its source material. This is often done by evoking the original style or themes of th e piece. A parody exaggerates an aspect or idea from the original for comedic and entertaining effect.
Possible subjects/classes Time needed
English, Public Speaking / Debate, 30-45 minutes Politics, Government
Video link: https://academy4sc.org/topic/parody-no-laughing-matter/
Objective: What will students know/be able to do at the end of class?
Students will be able to... ● Define parody. ● List the functions parody serves. ● Correctly identify a parody.
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
Rhetorical device, Burlesque, Imitation
Materials Needed
Worksheet, Student Internet Access
Before you watch
Turn & Talk: Thinking broadly, how do imitations differ from the original? Is it always obvious which one is the predecessor?
While you watch
1. What is the key to parody? 2. What is the modern meaning of parody? When did it first appear?
Parody: No Laughing Matter - Rhetoric | Academy 4 Social Change
3. List the two ways parodies can be done.
After you watch/discussion questions
1. Is it possible to poke fun at something and still enjoy it? 2. What works tend to get imitated? Why? 3. Can imitations improve upon the original works? Can they harm the original works?
Activity Ideas
● Working in groups, decide on a topic from class that you will parody. The parody can take any form of art that can easily be presented in roughly five minutes (a comic, poem, song, dance, or short skit). Then take turns observing and analyzing each other’s parodies. ● Hold a class debate on whether parodies deserve the same artistic appreciation that original works enjoy. Be sure to consider how originality is defined and the different complex relationships a parody can have with its source material. ● Write a short journal entry on what the most important aspect a successful parody needs to have. Entries should be roughly two to three paragraphs long. ● Individually complete the Worksheet. Then review answers as a class or in small groups.
Sources/places to learn more
1. Chatman, Seymour. “Parody and Style.” Poetics Today , vol 22, issue 1, 2001, pp. 25-39. Doi: 10.1215/03335372-22-1-25. 2. Hariman, Robert. “Political Parody and Public Culture.” Quarterly Journal of Speech , vol 94, issue 3, 2008, pp. 247-272. Doi: 10.1080/00335630802210369. 3. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 2000. ISBN: 0-252-06938-2. 4. Lelièvre, F. J. “The Basis of Ancient Parody.” Greece & Rome , vol 1, issue 2, June 1954, pp. 66-81. Doi: 10.1017/S0017383500012407. 5. Rose, Margaret A. Parody: Ancient, Modern and Post-Modern. Cambridge University Press, 1995. ISBN: 0-51-42924-2.
Notes The difference between parody and satire lies mainly in the purpose of each device. A satire seeks to criticize someone or something and make a point. A parody’s goal is to
Parody: No Laughing Matter - Rhetoric | Academy 4 Social Change entertain by making fun of someone or something. Parody is done for fun; satire is done to make a statement.