Satire

What is satire? “A work or manner that blends a censorious attitude with humor and wit for improving human institutions or humanity.” -Harmon and Holman

Social Commentary Parody Social Change irony Exaggeration INCONGRUITY Elements of satire Social Change

Analyzing Satire Learn to identify the following in each passage: The true opinion of the author The satiric voice or circumstance which the author fashions to portray the opposite of the true opinion (creating irony) What the author wants to change or correct

Terms: thumbnail definitions Satire: Corrective ridicule or fine raillery (Dryden) Parody: Mockery by imitation Sarcasm: A cutting, extremely ironic remark intended to wound Epithet: Name calling or harsh invective (Dryden) Sardonic Voice: scornful, cynical or derisive voice without hope Irony: Language which states the opposite of intended meaning

The IRONOMETER

Pap’s Racist Rant Identify the satiric voice. Identify the true voice. Identify the target of the satire. Restate the target of the satire as the true voice’s claim (Twain argues that…) Find one rhetorical choice that Twain makes to convey the satire.

Twain satirizes the racist attitudes that allow slavery Twain satirizes the racist attitudes that allow slavery. Ironically, he uses an ignorant, violent alcoholic to defend slavery. By using Pap Finn as his satiric voice, Twain reveals his actual hatred of slavery. He wants his readers to react against Pap’s bigoted, racist thinking and see the ignorance of his (and those who share his) perspective on race. Twain wants to change American’s racist attitudes toward slavery.

Twain satirizes the racist attitudes that allow slavery Twain satirizes the racist attitudes that allow slavery. Ironically, he uses an ignorant, violent alcoholic to defend slavery. By using Pap Finn as his satiric voice, Twain reveals his actual hatred of slavery. He wants his readers to react against Pap’s bigoted, racist thinking and see the ignorance of his (and those who share his) perspective on race. Twain wants to change American’s racist attitudes toward slavery.

Chapter VII “Honest injun I will. People will call me a low down Ablitionist and despise me for keeping mum—but that don’t make no difference. I ain’t agoing to tell, and I ain’t agoing back there anyways.”

from Chapter 16 It most froze me to hear such talk. He wouldn't ever dared to talk such talk in his life before. Just see what a difference it made in him the minute he judged he was about free. It was according to the old saying, "give a nigger an inch and he'll take an ell." Thinks I, this is what comes of my not thinking. Here was this nigger which I had as good as helped to run away, coming right out flat-footed and saying he would steal his children- children that belonged to a man I didn't even know; a man that hadn't ever done me no harm. I was sorry to hear Jim say that, it was such a lowering of him. My conscience got to stirring me up hotter than ever, until at last I says to it, "Let up on me- it ain't too late, yet- I'll paddle ashore at the first light and tell." I felt easy, and happy, and light as a feather, right off. All my troubles was gone. I went to looking out sharp for a light, and sort of singing to myself. By-and-by one showed.