Satire

What is satire? In satire, human or individual vices, follies, abuses or shortcomings are held up to find fault with by means of ridicule, mockery, irony, or other methods, ideally with the intent to bring about improvement. Although satire is meant to be funny, the purpose of satire is not primarily humor in itself so much as an attack on something of which the author strongly disapproves, using the weapon of wit. What? Paraphrase, please…

What is satire? Satire- Making fun of some aspect of culture, society, and/or human nature to hopefully improve it or inspire change.

Satire differs from comedy in that: …Isn’t that comedy? Satire differs from comedy in that: Comedy aims simply to amuse its audience Satire seeks to correct, improve, or reform throughout ridicule Satire uses laughter as a weapon against something that exists outside the work itself.

Formal (Direct) Satire Two types of satire Formal (Direct) Satire The persona (speaker) uses first-person point of view This speaker may address the reader or a character within the work Example: “A Modest Proposal” Indirect Satire Some format other than direct address to the reader This is usually a fictional narrative, in which objects of satire are characters Example: Animal Farm

What are the three types of irony? Devices of Satire The chief device of satire is irony. Irony is the difference between what you expect to happen and what really does happen What are the three types of irony? Verbal- when you say one thing and mean another Situational- when the situation turns out to be the opposite of what you thought it would Dramatic- when the audience knows something the characters do not

Devices of Satire Other Devices… Parody- poking fun at something by mimicking or imitating it Ex: The Daily Show with John Stewart

Devices of Satire Caricature: poking fun at a character by exaggerating its personal characteristics in drawing or narrative

Devices of Satire Juxtaposition- the arrangement of two or more characters, ideas, or words side-by-side for the purpose of comparison, contrast, or character development

Devices of Satire Sarcasm: taunting on a personal level by saying something and meaning the opposite

Analyzing Satire in 5 easy steps! 1. What's the tone of the satire? (grim, cheerful, sardonic, mock serious, optimistic, etc.) 2. What type of satire is this? (direct vs. indirect) 3. What is the writer satirizing? (what aspect of society are they trying to criticize?) 4. What is the writer's purpose in satirizing this subject? (what do they want to change?) 5. What literary techniques does the writer use in this satire? (hyperbole, understatement, irony, humor, etc.)