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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
Act 1, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Sonnet Love:
Throughout Twelfth Night, Shakespeare parodies the popular Elizabethan concept of "sonnet love." In 17th century England, romantic sonnets usually centered on the poet's desire for an idealized, unattainable love object, and these sonnets often contained a catalogue of the love object's physical attributes called a blazon.
When Viola attempts to woo Olivia on Orsino's behalf, in Act 1, Scene 5, she argues that it would be unfair for Olivia to die without having children:
Viola: ’Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and white
Nature’s own sweet and cunning hand laid on.
Lady, you are the cruel’st she alive
If you will lead these graces to the grave
And leave the world no copy.
Related Themes:
Act 1, scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Sonnet Love:
Throughout Twelfth Night, Shakespeare parodies the popular Elizabethan concept of "sonnet love." In 17th century England, romantic sonnets usually centered on the poet's desire for an idealized, unattainable love object, and these sonnets often contained a catalogue of the love object's physical attributes called a blazon.
When Viola attempts to woo Olivia on Orsino's behalf, in Act 1, Scene 5, she argues that it would be unfair for Olivia to die without having children:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Viola: ’Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and white
Nature’s own sweet and cunning hand laid on.
Lady, you are the cruel’st she alive
If you will lead these graces to the grave
And leave the world no copy.
Related Themes:
Act 2, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Queen Elizabeth:
Twelfth Night contains numerous allusions to early 17th century English politics, and the play can be interpreted as either an homage to or a parody of the Elizabethan court.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
