Definition

IB -

          A parody is a humorous and/or exaggerated imitation of a literay work or style. 

(From IB Diploma Programme guide: Language A2, Feruary 2002)

Wikipedia -

          A parody (a.k.a. send-up or spoof), is a work created to mock, comment on, or poke fun at an original work, its subject, or author, or some other

          target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation.

(From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody)

Princeton WordNet -

• a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way

• humorous or satirical mimicry

(From http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=parody)

Forms

Parodies can take many forms, including:

• Art
• Music
• Cinema / Film
• Literature
  • Poem
  • Short Story
  • Novel
  • (Lyrics) 
  • etc.
• etc. 

How to Write a Parody of a...

Novel

1. Ensure that your parody does not violate any copyright laws. Although you may be writing a parody of a novel just for fun, you may want to publish it, and so you should ensure that you will be allowed to do so.
2. Base the novel on a minor character. A common technique for a parody is to make a minor character the main character and vice versa. The humor comes from the change of focus.
3. Make puns on character and place names. It can be great fun to come up with humorous nicknames. 
4. Poke fun at the writer's style. If he/she is very terse, make your sentences ridiculously short, or if he/she enjoys using 'purple prose', be generous with the arcane and redundant adjectives. 
5. Identify the most crucial moments and lines in the novel. Focus on these and make them funny. 
6. Add anachronisms to older novels. For instance, a Victorian character may get a call on a cell phone. Make sure such moments are unexpected.
7. Shorten the novel. Usually a parody of a novel is much shorter than the original version.
8. Get feedback to see if your parody is actually funny. Humor is often in the eye of the beholder, but something that is truly funny is enjoyed by all.

(Adapted from http://www.ehow.com/how_2093291_write-parody-novel.html)

Poem

Learn the Law of Parodies 

1. Note that those who plan to publish their parody poems may want to consult an attorney.
2. Recognize the parody poem's value. Does the piece draw attention to the earlier work? Is the writing tightly crafted and thought-provoking? Is there a profound message that seeks to enlighten and entertain?
3. Ponder the effect the parody poem will have on the original work. Is the nature of the poem playful or critical? Will the publication of the parody poem hurt the original or shed light on it?
4. Learn about transformative works and fair use. Parodies fall within the range of fair use according to a Supreme Court ruling. This ruling places written work like a parody poem into the realm of commentary and criticism.

Compose the Parody Poem

1. Choose a poem as a source of inspiration. The original work may be a classic or a contemporary piece. It is best to use poetry that is well known and that you love. Ideally, you should have parts of the original committed to memory.
2. Study the style and tone of the original. As you learn how to write a parody poem, you also learn a greater appreciation to the poetic devices found in the original. Make note of the rhyme and meter but also look out for other patterns in the language that makes the work unique. 
3. Read examples of other parody poetry. Note how the parody imitates but uses the language to completely transform the text.

        T.S. Eliot's original:

        I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,

        And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,

        And in short, I was afraid.

        Parody:

        I have seen the moment of my willpower flicker

        And I have eaten a whole bag of frozen snickers

        And in short, it was great

4. Start writing. Model your work after the original while addressing a completely different subject matter. The more contrast, the better. Think "Like a Virgin" transforming into "Like a Surgeon". The subject matter is so ridiculously different from the original that it naturally stirs a smile.
5. Read your parody poem aloud. Does the work follow the flow and rhythm of the original? Does the piece make you chuckle? Does the parody poetry have intensity and emotion gone awry?
6. Give the poem time to rest and revisit it with fresh eyes. Revise it if necessary.

(Adapted from http://www.ehow.com/how_2118173_write-parody-poem.html)

Do's and Don'ts

http://books.google.com/books?id=sBsC3ItxoYQC&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229&dq=dos+and+don'ts+of+writing+parodies&source=bl&ots=2H1XPTWTap&sig=

z11cfgW9YUQ38TeAxmJumrxF9dk&hl=en&ei=RkbGSbu4D5z-7APt8PW9Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA229,M1

Model - Lyrics

Parody:

Original:

Why is it a good Parody?

• Completely different subject matter - "Ridin' Dirty" to "White and Nerdy"

• Close imitation of style - rhyme, rhythm, flow etc.

• Most importantly... it is FUNNY!