Pointed comedy, with a point Satire Pointed comedy, with a point By Angela Bagley Fitzpatrick

What is Satire? Satire is a mode of writing that exposes the failings of individuals, institutions, or societies to ridicule and scorn. It is often used in comedic works. However, it is unusual for a work to be completely satirical in nature. Instead, a written work is likely to contain instances of satire.

Two Kinds of Satire Formal or Direct Satire Indirect Satire The author directly addresses the audience in their writing with their satiric comments. This is the more classical style of satire. Is usually found in plays or movies, and allows us to draw our own conclusions from the actions of characters. Animal Farm is an example of an indirect satire.

Satire vs. Parody While the two are linked, as both are a form of humor, satire is distinct because it generally has a direct source of criticism it is directed at. Parody is often used just for humor’s sake, whereas satire tends to focus on the flaws of a person or people in a hope to incite change.

How Is Satire Used in Animal Farm? As we’ve previously discussed, Animal Farm was written as a kind of subversive criticism of the Russian Revolution and the early days of Communism.

Does Orwell Think Communism is Effective? In Communism, each Comrade puts in effort, and the products are then distributed equally. Animalism is a governmental system in which every Animal puts effort into making the farm succeed, and in theory, every Animal benefits equally from the fruit of their combined labors. Did this work in Animalism?

NO! Almost immediately following the Rebellion, we see Napoleon take the milk for himself, rather than share it with all the farm Animals. Communistic ideals begin to break down almost as quickly as they are established.

Ok, That Sounds Great But… Why bother learning about satire if it’s only found in a bunch of boring old books that I never plan on reading? Let me tell you why!

Satire: It’s Not Just For Literature Anymore Satire is all over the place! Satire can be found in a variety of genres, from books, movies, and even music. Where are some places that you’ve seen satire?

Satire in Movies Who can tell me what the men of Monty Python were satirizing in their film Monty Python and the Holy Grail? That’s right! The were satirizing Arthurian legends.

What Do These Movies Satirize?

Satire on TV Saturday Night Live is well-known for its political satires. Today, a lot of animated shows incorporate satire: South Park The Simpsons Drawn Together

Satire in Music The fine line between satire and parody becomes fuzzier in music. There is a lot of room for personal interpretation, so either argument can be made. Which do you think this is?

What Examples of Satire Have You Seen? Think of an example of Satire that you have encountered. It can be in any medium: literature, music, film, television, or art. Make your example one that we did not cover in class today, and write it down on your handout.

For Homework Tonight… Write a paragraph describing the satire OR Draw a picture that illustrates your example of satire. Using complete sentences, explain to me what is satirical about your choice, and guess what the author or artist was criticizing through their satire.