Satire and Satirical Devices

Satire Defined Satire = sarcasm, irony or wit used to ridicule or mock

Satirical Styles 1. Direct = satire that is directly stated 2. Indirect = satire that is communicated through characters in a situation.

Satirical Devices 1. Irony = the actual intent is expressed in words which carry the opposite meaning. Lighter, less harsh in wording than sarcasm, though more cutting because of its indirectness. (tongue-in-cheek style) Irony is achieved through such techniques such as hyperbole and understatement

Satirical Devices- types of irony A. verbal – uses inversion of meaning of the words used B. dramatic – when the audience knows something the characters don’t

Satirical Devices- types of irony C. Socratic- Socratic irony is feigning ignorance to achieve some advantage over an opponent

Satirical Devices- types of irony D. Situational Irony – depends on a discrepancy between purpose and results. Example: a practical joke that backfires

Other Satirical Devices 2. Travesty – present a serious (often religious) subject frivolously; reduces everything to its lowest level 3. Burlesque – ridiculous exaggeration achieved through a variety of ways Style is the essential quality in burlesque

Other Satirical Devices 4. Parody – a composition imitating another, usually serious, piece of work. Designed to ridicule in a nonsensical fashion an original piece of work. Parody is to literature what the cartoon is to art.

Other Satirical Devices 6. Invective – harsh, abusive language directed against a person or cause. Invective is a vehicle for anger and bitterness. It is the bitterest of all satires. 7. Sarcasm – a sharply mocking or contemptuous remark. The terms comes from the Greek word “sarkazein” which means “to tear flesh”

Other Satirical Devices 9. Malapropism – a deliberate mispronunciation of a name or term with the intent of poking fun. He had to use a fire distinguisher. Dad says the monster is just a pigment of my imagination. Isn't that an expensive pendulum round that man's neck? Good punctuation means not to be late. He's a wolf in cheap clothing. Michelangelo painted the Sixteenth Chapel. My sister has extra-century perception. "Don't" is a contraption.

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