1. Moderns – James Thurber Parody, Humorous Essays

2. What is a parody? • “A form of satirical criticism or comic mockery that imitates the style and manner of a particular writer or school of writers so as to emphasize the weakness of the writer or the overused conventions of the school.”

3. Humorous Essays… • A Humorous essay is a form of nonfiction writing intended to make the reader laugh. • Some humorous writing, often described as harsh or biting, ridicules its subjects. • Other humorous writing, often described as gentle, treats its subjects with affection even as it makes fun of them.

4. James Thurber 1894-1961The Humorist • “The wit makes fun of other persons; the satirist makes fun of the world; the humorist makes fun of himself.” • Often wrote about men, women and animals facing the trials of everyday life. Most stories were based on personal experiences of Thurber himself. • The characters generally struggle against the unpleasant realities of modern life.