Historical Development of Parody

Abstract. This article defines the evolution, definitions, and discursive functions of parody within contemporary English discourse, tracing its historical trajectory from classical antiquity to postmodern literature and media. Distinctions are drawn between parody, pastiche, and satire, with a focus on parody's unique critical stance. Historical examples from Aristophanes, Shakespeare, Pope, and postmodern authors like Pynchon and Vonnegut illustrate parody’s enduring significance as a tool for cultural critique and discursive resistance.