Satire

What is Satire A kind of writing that ridicules human weakness, vice or folly in order to bring about social reform

Purpose form of comedy make the audience aware of the "truth“ Due to its critical and judging nature, satire is sometimes deemed excessive or in poor taste.

History of Satire Latin: satur 1st introduced in the Old Comedy Aristophanes Poke fun at varying war participants Disappeared after fall of Rome and reintroduced in 12th century. Marked a time when un-Christian behavior of certain figures were marked Ex. Canterbury Tales

History, cont’d Age of Enlightenment Victorian Era 17th, 18th century: deeply ingrained in society Jonathan Swift Modest Proposal Victorian Era Charles Dickens Mark Twain

History cont’d Aristotle 3 Appeals 384 – 322 BC Greek philosopher Pathos (Emotions) Bases argument off of emotional appeal of the audience Ethos (Ethics) Bases argument on the values and ethics of the speaker Logos (Logic) Bases argument on the logic behind the speech or topic.

Types of Satire: Classification by Tone Juvenalian Satire: Roman Poet Juvenal Deliberate, abrasive and often-personal critique of individual or ideal Utilized by speakers who see target as actively harmful to society or outright “evil” Ex: Ray Bradbury- Fahrenheit 451 Rise of television entertainment, growing ad industry, and censorship of American Literature and media

Types of Satire: Classification by Tone Horatian Satire: Roman poet Quitus Horatius Flaccus (Horace) Humorous, Light-hearted Gentle: commentary on what is believed “good” “Carpe Diem” Early Modern and Modern Western Literature Ex: Benjamin Franklin Ex: Mark Twain; Advice to Youth

Types of Satire: Classification by Topic Political & Topical Satire Most popular form; since Aristophanes’ Old Comedy Approach to complex subjects and social change through humor Incredibly popular in American Media Ex: The Daily Show and Colbert Report- regularly satirize politicians and political strife Saturday Night Live, Simpsons, South Park, etc.

Types of Satire: Classification by Topic Religious & Philosophical Satire Critiques religious or philosophical beliefs of those who practice a certain faith or doctrine. Seen to be an “attack” of religion at large Chaucer and Erasmus, written at point of view of believer as well as those who would critique religion or – philosophy from outside that worldview Ex: Canterbury Tales, Monty Python,

Elements of Satire Exaggeration Hyperbole Understatement Irony Sarcasm making something bigger than it really is; overstating Hyperbole exaggerated exaggeration Understatement making important things sound casual or inconsequential Irony say one thing and mean the opposite Sarcasm cutting/ biting comments

Influences of Satire The Colbert Report The Onion Political Cartoons Media politicalhumor.about.com