1. Satire
A brief overview

2. What is satire?
Satire is a style of rhetoric that exposes vices and foolishness in people and society
Satire generally uses humor, irony, sarcasm, and other techniques to get an emotional reaction from the audience
Satire often aims to create political or social change
Here are a few techniques that may be used in satire…….

3. Elements of Satire Hyperbole Also called exaggeration
In satire, hyperbole is used to make an idea or situation seem ridiculous by taking it to the extreme

4. Elements of Satire Reversal
Presenting the opposite of what people are used to experiencing
Makes the audience think about what they consider “normal,” and why

5. Elements of Satire Parody Imitating someone for comedic effect
Often includes the use of other techniques (hyperbole, irony, etc.)

6. Elements of Satire Incongruity
Putting things together that normally wouldn’t go together
This can be used to make ordinary things seem ridiculous

7. Elements of Satire Irony
Using words in a way that conveys the opposite of their literal meaning
Can be used to show difference between appearance and reality

8. Elements of Satire Sarcasm Like irony, but more “mean”
Usually used to mock a person, situation, or idea

9. Elements of Satire Understatement
Like hyperbole, this is a type of exaggeration
Can be used to make a situation or idea seem less important than it really is

10. Potential Problems with Satire
Misunderstanding: Audience may think the satirist is being serious
Misuse: People hide behind the idea of satire to get away with saying really stupid and cruel things
Missing the Point: Too much satire can distract the audience from the “real” message

11. When analyzing satire, consider…
Subject: What is the main idea?
Occasion: What current event/trend is the author reacting to?
Audience: What person/group is the satire targeting?

12. When Analyzing Satire Consider…
Purpose: What is the “real” message behind the satire?
Speaker: How does the author create credibility? Why should we trust this person?