Satire

humor + criticism = inspired reform

Definition

 Satire is a kind of writing that ridicules its subject, usually some type of human weakness, vice, or folly, in order to bring about a change, such as social or political reform

Satire Clearly Understood

  

Satire – blend of criticism and humor for the purposes of CORRECTION OR IMPROVEMENT Sarcasm – simple abuse consisting of a series of insults If the creators of satire don’t have a reform or a solution in mind but are simply holding up an aspect of the world as ridiculous, then they are creating irony or gallows humor rather than satire.

Don’t Miss Out on the Fun – Ask yourself the following questions:

 1. What institutions, practices, and/or groups are being satirized?

 2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?

 3. What is the tone of the satire?

What institutions, practices,, and/or groups are being satirized?

 A group or organization  Individuals  A “sort” or type of person  A social class  A prevailing philosophy  Social manners  Modern progress  Mankind

What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?

   Parody – comic imitation Irony – literary style characterized by irony Mock-epic – comic imitation of the epic   Travesty – grotesque, inferior imitation Allegory – expression by means of symbolic, fictional characters  Caricature – exaggeration by ludicrous distortion  Fable – legendary story of supernatural happenings

Common Features

 Verbal Irony - contrast between what is said and what is really meant--this can draw attention to the absurdity of certain ideas or beliefs or can emphasize important points  Outrageous exaggerations  Deadpan understatement  Warped logic--absurd statements delivered as common sense  Improbable situations  Ridiculous names

What is the tone of the satire?



Gentle and humorous satire is called Horatian Satire after the writing style of the Roman poet Horace.

 cheerful  tongue--in--cheek  optimistic  witty  gentle  chiding

What is the tone of the satire?

Heavy or biting satire called Juvenalian Satire after the Roman poet Juvenal.

        cutting bitter angry contemptuous grim sardonic harsh indignant

Satire and Point of View

 Formal & Direct – Satiric voice speaks in first person. The satirist speaks directly to the reader.

 Informal & Indirect - Characters themselves reveal their folly & ridiculousness through their own actions, words and thoughts. Often seen in stories, poems, plays or novels.

Satire or Not?

http://www.theonion.com

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/ THE COLBERT REPORT (STEPHEN COLBERT): http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_colbert_rep ort/index.jhtml

THE DAILY SHOW (JON STUART): http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/i ndex.jhtml