I saw a post about free plums today on the social media network Bluesky. (Shameless plug: Here is a link to my Bluesky profile.)
A few of the comments are gold. Here’s one:
This is just to say score!
And another:
This is just to say
I put this sign
on your icebox
I hope that’s not a problem
IYKYK.
If you’re lost, these comments pastiche William Carlos Williams’ poem “This Is Just To Say.” Take a minute and read the poem (I promise it’s short). (Here’s a link to the poem.) Then read “Reply” (also short!) by Florence, William Carlos Williams’ wife. (Here’s a link.)
What is a pastiche anyway? A pastiche is much like a parody, except a parody mocks original art while a pastiche pays homage to it. Rather than recreate the wheel, I refer you to Sherry Leclerc’s detailed notes about pastiches vs. parodies. (Here’s the link.)
Allusions are also similar to pastiches, but different in one critical aspect: Allusions refer (or allude) to a song, poem, novel, etc., but do not actually mimic it.
As a final note, I learned today that the term pastiche is important in intellectual property law in the European Union. (Here’s a link if you’re interested.)
Never stop learning,
Erin
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