Have you ever taken something grand and serious, then playfully twisted it into something silly or unexpected? That’s often the heart of burlesque, a fascinating literary and artistic technique. It’s more than just comedy; it’s a way of looking at the world with a mischievous eye, and it has been used for centuries to entertain, critique, and challenge conventions. Let’s explore what burlesque truly is, how it works, and why it remains a powerful tool for creators today.
What is Burlesque? A Definition
At its core, burlesque is a literary, dramatic, or musical work intended to cause laughter by exaggerating or distorting a serious subject. Think of it as a playful parody, but it can also be affectionate, reverent, or even critical. It always involves a significant degree of exaggeration and incongruity. The term originally referred to a type of theatrical entertainment that was often extravagant and featured broad comedy, music, and dance. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass a wider range of artistic expression.
Simple Examples of Burlesque
- A Serious Poem Written in a Ridiculous Style: Imagine a sonnet about a lost dog, but written using baby talk. The contrast between the high form and the silly content creates a burlesque effect.
- A Grand Historical Event Described in a Mundane Way: A recounting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence focusing entirely on what everyone had for lunch.
- Elevating the Commonplace: Writing an epic poem about the joys of doing laundry.
The History of Burlesque
Burlesque has a surprisingly rich history. It began in the 17th century as a form of dramatic parody in England. Early burlesques often took inspiration from classical literature and mythology, but they quickly developed their own unique style, characterized by witty dialogue, slapstick comedy, and elaborate costumes. These early forms were frequently satirical, lampooning the political and social norms of the day.
In the 19th century, Victorian burlesque rose to prominence, known for its elaborate musical numbers, flamboyant costumes, and risqué humor. These performances frequently featured cross‑dressing and emphasized spectacle over substance. Over time, burlesque evolved into a variety of forms, including vaudeville, musical comedy, and even film.
Types of Burlesque
Burlesque isn’t a single monolithic form. There are several distinct types, each with its own characteristics:
- Parodic Burlesque: This is the most common type, and it involves imitating the style of a particular work or author to create a humorous effect. It often relies on exaggeration and distortion.
- Grotesque Burlesque: This type focuses on the bizarre, the absurd, and the shocking. It often involves exaggerated characters and situations.
- Mock‑Heroic Burlesque: This is a specific type of parody that imitates the style of epic poetry to create a humorous contrast. It typically features trivial subjects and exaggerated language.
Burlesque in Literature: Detailed Examples
Let’s dive into some literary examples to really understand how burlesque works in practice.
Example 1: The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope
Pope’s The Rape of the Lock is a prime example of mock‑heroic burlesque. It takes the trivial incident of a nobleman cutting off a lock of hair from a young woman’s head and treats it as if it were a grand, epic event. The poem is written in the style of classical epic poetry, complete with gods, goddesses, and heroic battles. However, the subject matter is utterly ridiculous, creating a humorous contrast. The elevated language describing mundane actions—like preparing coffee or applying makeup—adds to the burlesque effect.
Example 2: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
While not strictly burlesque in the modern sense, Don Quixote expertly uses burlesque elements. Cervantes parodies the chivalric romances of his time by creating a character who is utterly delusional and believes he is a knight‑errant. Don Quixote’s adventures are full of absurd situations and exaggerated characters. The contrast between his romantic ideals and the harsh realities of the world provides both humor and pathos. His tilting at windmills, mistaking inns for castles, and imagining ordinary women as princesses are all burlesque moments.
Example 3: The Works of Lewis Carroll (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
Lewis Carroll’s works are steeped in burlesque. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, in particular, takes the conventions of Victorian children’s literature and turns them upside down. The characters are nonsensical, the logic is flawed, and the situations are utterly absurd. The Mad Hatter’s tea party, the Queen of Hearts’ capricious rulings, and the Cheshire Cat’s vanishing act are all examples of burlesque elements. The playful disregard for reason and the embrace of the illogical create a unique and memorable reading experience.
Example 4: A Modern Take – “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by Seth Grahame‑Smith
This novel deliberately blends the refined world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with the gruesome world of zombie horror. The juxtaposition of elegant social etiquette and undead mayhem is a clear example of burlesque. The author doesn’t simply add zombies; they integrate them into the fabric of the original story, altering character motivations and plot points in a humorous and unexpected way. The formal language of Austen is maintained even as characters battle the undead, creating a striking contrast.
Key Techniques in Burlesque
Burlesque isn’t just about being silly. Effective burlesque relies on several key techniques:
- Exaggeration: Taking a characteristic or situation and blowing it out of proportion.
- Incongruity: Placing things that don’t normally belong together in close proximity.
- Parody: Imitating the style of another work or author for humorous effect.
- Irony: Using words or situations to convey a meaning opposite to their literal meaning.
- Satire: Using humor to critique social or political issues.
Why is Burlesque Important?
Burlesque isn’t just about getting a laugh. It’s a powerful tool for social and artistic commentary. By exaggerating and distorting reality, burlesque can expose hypocrisy, challenge conventions, and provoke thought. It allows us to see the world in a new light, and it can be a surprisingly effective way to make serious points.
Furthermore, burlesque demonstrates creativity and a playful approach to language and form. It encourages writers and artists to take risks and experiment with different styles and techniques. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be serious or profound; it can also be fun, silly, and irreverent.
So, the next time you encounter a work that takes something familiar and turns it on its head, remember the power of burlesque. It’s a testament to the human capacity for wit, imagination, and playful subversion.