Burlesque

Burlesque was originally a form of art that mocked by imitation, referring to everything from comic sketches to dance routines and usually lampooning the social attitudes of upper classes. It was often ridiculous in that it imitated several styles, and combined imitations of authors and artists with absurd descriptions. In this, the term was often used interchangeably with "pastiche," "parody," and, at the turn of the 18th century, "mock-heroic." Possibly due to historical social tensions between the upper classes and lower classes of society, much of the humor and entertainment focused on lowbrow and ribald subjects.

Related Topics:
Imitation - Upper class - Pastiche - Parody - Mock-heroic

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In the 20th and 21st centuries, burlesque has come to be a genre of adult entertainment, focusing on aspects of humor, satire and sexual tantalization.

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Burlesque is not to be confused with the two other major forms of satire: parody and farce. A burlesque work trivializes a serious work while a parody intends to imitate the original style as its main purpose. A farce, on the other hand, provides little imitation and is only meant to draw out laughter.

Related Topics:
Parody - Farce

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