Introduction to Satire Satire criticizes some element of human behavior by portraying it in a way that challenges the audience’s preconceptions. The satirist usually employs humor so the audience sees the target of the satire from a new perspective. The same distance that promotes laughter gives the audience a chance to reevaluate the target, possibly recognizing and accepting the author’s critical point of view. Satire therefore alienates the audience from its usual perception of the target to promote a new perception that will inspire disgust, anger and possibly action.

Introduction to Satire Verbal irony involves stating something but meaning the opposite of what is stated. In other words, the literal meaning of the statement is not the intended meaning of the statement. Ex: In Julius Caesar, Antony praises Caesar’s assassins as “honorable men” when the speech demonstrates they are not really honorable at all.

Verbal Irony

Introduction to Satire Sarcasm is verbal irony employed with the intent to injure. Ex: In Huck Finn, Pap attacks Huck for wearing nice clothes, taking baths, learning to read, etc: “Ain’t you a sweet-scented dandy, though?... Why, there ain’t no end to your airs—”

Sarcasm

Introduction to Satire Situational irony involves a situation that runs contrary to what is expected. In other words, a character expects one thing and discovers his/her expectations are wrong. Ex: In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby’s assumption that money, a mansion and elaborate parties will transform him into the sort of man for whom Daisy would leave Tom.

Situational Irony

Introduction to Satire Caricature is a technique that exaggerates particular features of the target for comic or satiric effect. Ex: Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin’s lack of knowledge in SNL skits.

Caricature

Introduction to Satire Parody is a work that ridicules the style of another work by imitating and exaggerating its elements. Ex: Stephen Colbert’s The Colbert Report is a parody of various news programs on Fox Network News.

Parody

Introduction to Satire Hyperbole (overstatement) involves exaggerating for emphasis or to make a point. Ex: If you want to do well on the SAT, you need to start preparing for it in kindergarten

Hyperbole

Introduction to Satire Understatement involves intentionally representing something as less important than it is. Ex: Preparing for the SAT is no big deal. Litotes is an understatement that asserts an affirmative by negating its contrary. Ex: Preparing for the SAT is no small undertaking.

Understatement

Introduction to Satire Invective is abusive speech aimed at satiric target; language not always ironic. Ex: In Huck Finn, Pap’s idiotic tirade about the abuses of government.

Invective

Satire Show and Tell Select an example of satire from a text, film, television, any contemporary media. Prepare an informal presentation of your selection that takes no less than 2 and no more than 5 minutes to present and explain. In selecting the satire, please avoid anything that is inappropriate in either language or content for classroom discussion. In presenting the satire, you need to introduce the piece by providing its media context, show the piece, then identify the satiric technique(s) used, explaining the way the satire attacks the target and attempts to persuade the audience to accept the satirist’s criticism of the target.