1. Definition and Technique
Satire
Definition and Technique

2. Definition
Type of writing that ridicules human weakness, vices, or folly in order to bring about social reform

3. Satirists
Satirists are dissatisfied with the way things are, and they want to make them better.
Satirists perform an important function in society when they expose errors and absurdities that we no longer notice because custom and familiarity have blinded us to them.
Satirists try to persuade readers to do or believe something by showing the opposite view as ridiculous or even vicious and inhumane

4. Techniques Satirists use many techniques to get their point across
These include:
Exaggeration (Hyperbole)
Understatement
Illogical statements
Improbable situations
Parody
Irony

5. Exaggeration
To represent something as larger or greater than it actually is
Hyperbole – term for extreme exaggeration
For example: overstatements such as
All teens are irresponsible
All politicians are corrupt
“You should have seen the size of the fish I caught. It weighed at least 50 pounds!”

6. Understatement
A figure of speech that consists of saying less than what is really meant or saying something with less force than is appropriate
For example:
Saying “It is a bit wet out there” after coming in from a torrential downpour

7. Illogical Statements
A statement that is not logical or reasonable; one that is based on, or caused by, faulty reasoning;
In satire, these statements are dressed up as common sense, even though the ideas are completely absurd
"Guns are like hammers-they're both tools with metal parts that could be used to kill someone. And yet it would be ridiculous to restrict the purchase of hammers-so restrictions on purchasing guns are equally ridiculous."
"My roommate said her philosophy class was hard, and the one I'm in is hard, too. All philosophy classes must be hard!"

8. Improbable Situations
A situation that is highly unlikely to occur; one that is not likely to happen or be true
In satire, these situations can be seen as very silly and absurd
Winning the lottery twice

9. Parody
Definition: An imitation of an artistic work for amusement or instruction
Ex: Weird Al songs, Scary Movie, Epic Movie, SNL

10. Irony
A contrast or discrepancy between expectations and reality—between what is said and what is really meant, between what is expected and what really happens, or between what appears to be true and what is really true.

11. Irony falls into 3 Categories
Verbal Irony:
When a writer or speaker says one thing but really means the opposite.
If you tell a friend who shows up an hour late for an appointment, “I just love being kept waiting in the rain,” you are using verbal irony.

12. Situational Irony
When what is actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate.
For example: In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy had the power to go home the whole time; the tin man was looking for a heart but had one all the time
King Midas story

13. Dramatic Irony
When the audience/reader knows something important that a character in a story does not know.
Can heighten a comic effect or generate suspense.
Ex: In Romeo and Juliet, we know that Juliet isn’t really dead, but Romeo doesn’t

14. How to Analyze Satire Who/what is being ridiculed? Purpose of satire?
What is the message being conveyed?
Techniques used to convey the message?