The purpose is to mock a trivial subject by presenting it in an exaggerated and more elegant way than it normally deserves. Types of High Burlesque ParodyĪ parody mimics the style of a particular genre, work, or author. Most importantly, there are further distinctions within both high and low burlesque, which are defined below. In low burlesque, the style of the work is “low” (undignified, improper), but the subject matter is “high” (serious, significant). With high burlesque, the style of the work is “high” (dignified, serious), but the subject matter is “low” (insignificant, trivial). Thus, by changing these words to funny alternatives, while keeping the same style, the second poem mocks the traditional love poem, making it a burlesque poem.īurlesque is typically divided into two types: high burlesque and low burlesque. However, the second poem is funny because it highlights the negative elements of these things rather than the positive. Second, it mimics the subject of the first poem by using the same words-roses, violets, sugar, and you. Take the classic cute love poem:Ī burlesque version of the poem, specifically a parody, would be:įirst, the poem above mimics the style of the first poem in that it follows the same ABCB rhyme scheme. This article focuses on the original, literary understanding of Burlesque, should not be confused with the modern understanding of the word burlesque which is actually American Burlesque-a genre of variety show that has been popular since the late 1800’s (see Related Terms).Īs mentioned above, burlesque works mimic the styles and subjects of other works in a humorous way. As a literary and dramatic device, the term is often used interchangeably with parody, though a parody is actually type of burlesque. Correspondingly, burlesque creates humor by ridiculing or mimicking serious works, genres, subjects, and/or authors in one of two ways: either by presenting significant subjects in an absurd or crude way, or by presenting insignificant subjects in a sophisticated way. The term “burlesque” originates from the Italian burla and later burlesco, meaning ridicule, mockery, or joke. It is a form of the literary genre, satire. Burlesque (pronounced ber- lesk) is a style in literature and drama that mocks or imitates a subject by representing it in an ironic or ludicrous way resulting in comedy.
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