Post by Mr. Wells on Oct 22, 2007 7:23:24 GMT -5
Satirists often use parody as the vehicle through which they satirize. Thus, it is important in our discussion of satire to consider parody as part of the equation. Follow the links below to learn more about parody.
1. The word "parody" can be used in two ways: as a noun and as a verb. Read both entries found at Merriam Webster's website:
www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/parody
2. Read the sections "Reputation," "Film Parodies," "Social and Political Issues," and "Educational Aspects" that are part of the entry below. Come back when you are finished!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody
I hope those sources have given you a strong conceptual framework of what a parody is. To parody something is not necessarily to satirize it, nor is the purpose of parodying something always solely to entertain. When we discuss parody -- as when we discuss anything else -- we must think critically at the author's purpose and message. Only then can we derive meaning from any piece of writing.
3. Consider the song "Gangsta's Paradise," written and performed by Coolio for the movie Dangerous Minds. You can read the lyrics here: www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/dangerousminds/gangstasparadise.htm
What do you think his purpose for writing this song were? What is his message? What is his argument? (Jot down your responses to these questions so we can discuss them as a class)
4. Now consider Weird Al Yankovic's parody of "Gangsta's Paradise," titled "Amish Paradise." You can read the lyrics here: www.lyricsfreak.com/w/weird+al+yankovic/amish+paradise_20145680.html
What is Yankovic's purpose for writing this song? Was it meant merely to be humorous? If not, what might Yankovic's message be? What might his argument be?
1. The word "parody" can be used in two ways: as a noun and as a verb. Read both entries found at Merriam Webster's website:
www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/parody
2. Read the sections "Reputation," "Film Parodies," "Social and Political Issues," and "Educational Aspects" that are part of the entry below. Come back when you are finished!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody
I hope those sources have given you a strong conceptual framework of what a parody is. To parody something is not necessarily to satirize it, nor is the purpose of parodying something always solely to entertain. When we discuss parody -- as when we discuss anything else -- we must think critically at the author's purpose and message. Only then can we derive meaning from any piece of writing.
3. Consider the song "Gangsta's Paradise," written and performed by Coolio for the movie Dangerous Minds. You can read the lyrics here: www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/dangerousminds/gangstasparadise.htm
What do you think his purpose for writing this song were? What is his message? What is his argument? (Jot down your responses to these questions so we can discuss them as a class)
4. Now consider Weird Al Yankovic's parody of "Gangsta's Paradise," titled "Amish Paradise." You can read the lyrics here: www.lyricsfreak.com/w/weird+al+yankovic/amish+paradise_20145680.html
What is Yankovic's purpose for writing this song? Was it meant merely to be humorous? If not, what might Yankovic's message be? What might his argument be?