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Motifs
Definition of Parody
A parody is a work that mimics the style of another work, artist, or genre in an exaggerated way, usually for comic effect. Parodies can take many forms, including fiction... read full definition
A parody is a work that mimics the style of another work, artist, or genre in an exaggerated way, usually for comic effect. Parodies can... read full definition
A parody is a work that mimics the style of another work, artist, or genre in an exaggerated way, usually... read full definition
Key Examples in The Castle of Otranto
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Incestuous Parody:
The Castle of Otranto mimics—and, in that way, parodies—the style and content of many medieval stories in a way that draws attention to their characteristic hyperbole, sensationalism, and excess. Walpole does this to particular effect with the narrative of incest in the novel, beginning with Manfred's unwelcome advances to Isabella in Chapter 1:
“I desired you once before,” said Manfred, angrily, “not to name that woman: from this hour she must be a stranger to you, as she must be to me; in short, Isabella, since I cannot give you my son, I offer you myself.” “Heavens!” cried Isabella, waking from her delusion, “what do I hear! you, my lord! you! my father-in-law! the father of Conrad! the husband of the virtuous and tender Hippolita!”—“I tell you,” said Manfred, imperiously, “Hippolita is no longer my wife; I divorce her from this hour. Too long has she cursed me by her unfruitfulness.
Related Themes:
