Which of the following describes a literary technique that imitates a style for comedic effect?

The correct response is the term that refers to a form of imitation that takes a specific style or genre and exaggerates its characteristics for humorous purposes. Parody works by mimicking the features of the original work, which can include elements like tone, structure, and language. This imitation often highlights the absurdities or weaknesses in the original work, allowing the audience to recognize the exaggeration and find it amusing.

The usage of parody can be seen in various contexts, such as literature, film, and music, where it serves to both entertain and critique the original subject matter. It creates a dual layer of meaning: a nod to the original and a humorous commentary on it.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different literary devices that do not focus on imitation for humor. Allusion involves making an indirect reference to another work or context without mimicking it. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, while satire employs humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock, but it is not always an imitation of style in the same way that parody is.