Satire

Background Satire comes from the Latin term in lanx satura, which means “a dish filled with mixed fruits” Satire was developed in ancient Greece, with writers such as Aristophanes, Juvenal, Horace, Martial, and Petronius. It persisted throughout the Middle Ages in Europe.

Definition Satire – a work in any medium that uses humor and wit to expose problems with humanity or society

Defining Characteristics The creator of the work infuses it with humor. This humor oftentimes is dry or subtle. The “poking fun” is intended to inspire change in society. –It is not a mere attack – this would be invective instead of satire. –It does not take a “woe is me” attitude – this would be an irony or Jeremiad.

Many works of satire deal with fools, oafs, and frauds. Usually, the individual is spared – the satirist is poking fun at a specific group of people or element of society. Satire’s rule of thumb: “Pass over a single foe to charge whole armies.”

Kinds of Satire There are two classification criteria for satire –Formal vs. Informal Satire Does the author/narrator speak directly or are they more subtle? Is the work an essay or a narrative? –Horatian versus Juvenalian Is the humor light-hearted or cruel? Is the mood of the work upbeat or angry?

Formal or Direct Satire –The author or narrator speaks directly to the reader –Usually in the first person –Almost always essay format, but sometimes done in narrative –Examples: Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,” numerous writings of Mark Twain

Informal or Indirect Satire –The author pokes fun by showing ridiculous characters and their actions –Usually a narrative centered around bumbling buffoons, idiots, etc. –Most great works of literary satire are indirect –Examples: Carl Hiaasen’s Sick Puppy, works of George Orwell

Horatian Satire Named after Greek poet Horace More upbeat humor Usually gentle and urbane Tries to evoke reactions of sympathetic laughter

Juvenalian Satire Named after the Greek poet Juvenal Biting, scathing, and bitter Usually deals with corruption of and contempt for individuals or elements of society Most political satire is Juvenalian By far the most common mood of satire

Tools of the Satirist Parody – mocking a well-known or traditional style by changing it for humorous effect –Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart –Horace Miner –“Weird Al” Yankovic –Austin Powers, Scary Movie Invective – sharp, angry, biting language Farce – ridiculous, exaggerated situations Sarcasm – biting, witty, mocking remarks