Satire – Terms and Definitions Satire is a literary work in which vices, follies, stupidities, abuses, etc., are held up to ridicule and contempt. A pointing out of the difference between how things are and how they ought to be Folly is a lack of good sense or prudence (foolishness) Vice is moral depravity or corruption (wickedness)

Purpose of Satire All literature has two primary purposes: to please/entertain and to instruct Criticism is the base of any satire, and a satirical piece attempts through ridicule or scorn to correct the ills, follies, and vices of society (satirists want to improve humanity and/or society. Satirical targets may be a person, group, or institution

Satire versus Comedy Comedy evokes laughter as an end in itself for pleasure and entertainment. Satire uses laughter as a weapon aimed at someone or something. In other words, wit becomes a weapon. Irony is a device of satire in which the opposite of what is said is actually meant (verbal), a situation turns out different from expected (situational), or when an audience or reader knows a truth that the characters do not (dramatic).

Other devices of Satire Mockery – making fun of something Sarcasm – harsh, personally directed comment; using praise to mock someone Hyperbole – say more than is meant Litotes – say less than is meant Parody – imitation of a specific, known person, literary work, event (often mocking) Bathos – going from the serious to the ridiculous quickly, false pathos

Vehicles of Satire Literature Political cartoons Comic strips Movies (National Lampoon’s series, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Life of Brian)