Definition
Travesty is a form of parody that deliberately distorts or grotesquely exaggerates the subject it aims to mock.
Unlike other forms of parody that may offer a nuanced critique or homage, travesty is often more blatant in its derision, reducing the subject to its most absurd or ridiculous elements.
The intent is usually to demean or belittle the original work, idea, or person being targeted.
Example 1: “Vampires Suck” (2010 Film)
Target
The “Twilight” series and the vampire romance genre.
Parody
“Vampires Suck” is a film that takes the basic plot elements and characters from the “Twilight” series and exaggerates them to absurd levels. For example, the brooding vampire character is made even more overly dramatic, and the love triangle is presented in a ludicrously exaggerated manner.
Implied Criticism
The travesty here aims to criticize the melodramatic nature of the “Twilight” series and similar vampire romance stories. It suggests that these narratives are shallow, overly sentimental, and lacking in substance.
Example 2: “The Starving Games” (2013 Film)
Target
“The Hunger Games” series and the dystopian young adult genre.
Parody
“The Starving Games” takes the premise of young people fighting in a televised death match and makes it ridiculous. The film includes exaggerated violence, absurd game rules, and caricatured versions of the original characters.
Implied Criticism
The film serves as a critique of the glamorization of violence and the formulaic nature of young adult dystopian novels and films. It implies that the genre often sacrifices depth and complexity for sensationalism and entertainment.
Example 3: “The Onion” Article: “CIA Realizes It’s Been Using Black Highlighters All These Years”
Target
Government secrecy and inefficiency.
Parody
This satirical news article from “The Onion” suggests that the CIA has been mistakenly using black highlighters for years, rendering important text unreadable. The article mimics the tone and style of a serious news report but presents an absurd scenario.
Implied Criticism
The travesty here criticizes the often Kafkaesque bureaucracy and inefficiency of government agencies. It suggests that these institutions are so inept that they would make an error as basic and ridiculous as using black highlighters on classified documents.
Conclusion
Travesty serves as a specialized form of parody that aims for a more overt and often harsher form of criticism. By reducing the subject to its most absurd elements, travesty offers a critique that is both humorous and biting.
Whether mocking popular film genres or highlighting government inefficiency, travesty serves as a powerful tool for social and cultural commentary.
