A Parody on Princess Ida

Dalziel's parody follows a similar structure to the original Princess Ida but with the plot and characters exaggerated for comedic effect. In the original opera Princess Ida runs a women-only university and refuses to marry only to be pursued by Prince Hilarion and his companions. The story is marked by the clash between feminist ideals and traditional romantic expectations. In Dalziel’s parody the feminist themes are exaggerated and the characters’ motivations are portrayed in an even more absurd light amplifying the comedic elements of the original. The parody highlights the folly of the characters' rigid adherence to their beliefs and ideals often poking fun at the exaggerated romantic pursuits and academic pretensions found in Princess Ida. Dalziel’s version would likely include witty dialogues humorous songs and clever wordplay all characteristic of Gilbert and Sullivan’s style but with a comedic slant that mocks the seriousness of the original themes.