First, let's be clear about what a parody is. Entoes has
a great definition:
A
parody (also called send-up or
spoof). . . is a work created to mock, comment on, or poke
fun at an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of
humorous, satiric or
imitation.
So, there are a
number of ways in which you could approach parodying Shakespeare's second act of
Macbeth. You could send-up the tense atmosphere created at the
opening of the Act and during the exchange between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in scene
ii. In this sort of parody, you would want to look at all the elements that Shakespeare
uses to create suspense and a creepy atmosphere (sounds, characters not knowing who's
onstage -- "Who's there?", etc.). You should then work to exaggerate the instances of
these events so the sense of suspense and the tools used to create it become funny
rather than suspenseful.
You can also create a parody of
the language (the use of verse) in the play or of the characters. Really, you simply
need to pick something about Act II to focus on and work to exaggerate it to the point
that it has an "over the top" humorous tone.
This Act is a
bit odd to choose to parody in total, since the first and second parts of the Act have
quite different tones. The overriding point of focus of the Act, however, is the murder
of Duncan, so some exaggeration of this could work well. (For example, you could make
it way TOO obvious that Macbeth has murdered Duncan, but no one sees
it.)
For more on parody and Act II, please follow the links
below.
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