Satirical Devices Definitions w/ Visual & Literary Examples
Satire Critique of individuals, groups, institutions, ideas, or humanity in general to expose weaknesses, faults, wrong-doings. Critique of individuals, groups, institutions, ideas, or humanity in general to expose weaknesses, faults, wrong-doings. Satirists attempt to set a moral standard for society and persuade the reader to see their point of view through the use of the following devices which are not mutually exclusive… Satirists attempt to set a moral standard for society and persuade the reader to see their point of view through the use of the following devices which are not mutually exclusive…
Sarcasm Caustic and heavy use of apparent praise that is meant to mock Caustic and heavy use of apparent praise that is meant to mock
Invective Name calling, direct denunciation Name calling, direct denunciation
Parody (or “spoofs” & “lampoons” Close imitation of another piece of work in order to ridicule or mock it. Close imitation of another piece of work in order to ridicule or mock it. Example: Poking fun of various fairy tales in Shrek Example: Poking fun of various fairy tales in Shrek
Juxtaposition Placing unequal words, characters, symbols, or objects together to highlight differences or similarities Placing unequal words, characters, symbols, or objects together to highlight differences or similarities
Caricature Type of portrait, graphic, or verbal which exaggerates or distorts prominent features of a person without losing the likeness Type of portrait, graphic, or verbal which exaggerates or distorts prominent features of a person without losing the likeness
Low Burlesque Treats serious subject in low and comic manner Treats serious subject in low and comic manner