Literary Devices: Satire

Definition Uses ridicule of wit to attack human faults, vices, shortcomings, and follies Intended to bring about improvement Usually meant to be humorous, but an attack on something the author/speaker strongly disapproves of

Or as put by scholars: "a literary manner which blends a critical attitude with humor and wit to the end that human institutions or humanity may be improved. The true satirist is conscious of the frailty of institutions of man's devising and attempts through laughter not so much to tear them down as to inspire a remodeling." Thrall, William, Addison Hibbard, and C. Hugh Holman, eds., A Handbook to Literature. New York: Odyssey Press, 1960.

What makes satire, satire? Social commentary. That is, the writer ridicules or pokes fun at certain aspects of society he or she finds repugnant in hopes of changing it. Common Targets? Vanity, hypocrisy, religion, bigotry, human vices, sentimentality, greed, celebrity worship, materialism, hubris, dumbing down of education, snobbery, foolishness, cruelty, insensitivity, laziness 4

Satirical Strategies: IRONY Contrast between appearance or expectations and reality (verbal, dramatic, situational)

Satirical Strategies: REVERSAL To present the opposite of the normal order or role (e.g. order of events or heirarchy)

Satirical Strategies: EXAGGERATION To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous (hyperbole)

Exaggeration of a person’s traits is termed CARICATURE 8

Satirical Strategies: INCONGRUITY To present things that are out of place or absurd to its surroundings

Satirical Strategies: PARODY To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing

Advantages of Satire Many will miss author’s true intent; therefore, censors don’t “get it” and author can use as “stealth” weapon when taking an unpopular stance in a repressive society Avoids “preachiness” as an approach to reform 11

Great British satirist Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” suggests that poor Irish parents be encouraged to sell their own children as food. 12

Hypothesis: Based on our new knowledge of satire, predict which devices you think Swift might have specifically utilized.

Your Task: Critically read “A Modest Proposal” utilizing iPad apps and/or “marking up” techniques on printed copy Analyze the text for the particular satirical strategies employed by Swift Compare/contrast Swift’s piece with Pope’s