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Associates Quote by Ernest Hemingway

“The parody is the last refuge of the frustrated writer. Parodies are what you write when you are associate editor of the Harvard Lampoon. The greater the work of literature, the easier the parody. The step up from writing parodies is writing on the wall above the urinal.” quote by Ernest Hemingway
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“The parody is the last refuge of the frustrated writer. Parodies are what you write when you are associate editor of the Harvard Lampoon. The greater the work of literature, the easier the parody. The step up from writing parodies is writing on the wall above the urinal.”

Ernest Hemingway

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1965

Parody is a writer’s outlet when they feel constrained; it often follows great literature, and its evolution can become increasingly irreverent.

In simple terms: Parody is a writer’s outlet after great works.

Key Takeaway

Use parody to explore and critique literature.

Themes

creativity humor literary critique

Mood

playful analytical

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • literary analysis
  • creative expression

Key Concepts

satire meta‑writing

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does parody become disrespectful?
  • Can parody improve understanding of the original?
A Different Perspective

Parody may undermine original work’s seriousness.

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