1. Humor for the intelligent— will you get it?
Understanding Satire
Humor for the intelligent—
will you get it?

2. Satire Defined
One of the oldest forms of literature and one of the most durable
A constructive art that seeks not merely to destroy but to rebuild; aim is to inspire reform
Humor + criticism = inspired reform

3. Satire Defined Conservative
Values society, tradition, & viable institutions
Values the general welfare and public good
Audience is intelligent, educated and rational
Fools won’t get it

4. Satire vs. Sarcasm
Satire – blend of criticism and humor for the purposes of CORRECTION OR IMPROVEMENT
Sarcasm– simple abuse consisting of a series of insults

5. Four Golden Satire Questions
What institutions, practices, and/or groups are being satirized?
What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?
What is the tone of the satire?
What is the central message that the author is trying to communicate?

6. What institutions, practices, and/or groups are being satirized?
A group or organization
Individuals
A “sort” or type of person
A social class
A prevailing philosophy
Social manners
Modern progress
Mankind

7. What method(s) might an author employ in constructing his satire?
Parody - humorous imitation of another work or type of work. This could be a parody of style, mannerisms, etc.
Irony - technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or clearly stated.
Lampoon - sharp, often bitter satire directed against an individual or institution. Similar to parody (see above)
Litotes—A form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite (she’s not unattractive)
Hyperbole—Deliberate exaggeration to achieve effect--overstatement
Sarcasm—Intentional derision. Cutting remarks and obvious verbal irony. Jeering statement of opposite of what is meant.
Wit—Clever expression. Wit is characterized by a mocking or paradoxical quality, evoking laughter through apt phrasing.
Caricature - exaggeration by means of often ridiculous distortion of parts or characteristics. Often visual.
Ridicule—Words intended to belittle and arouse contemptuous laughter. The goal is to make the target seem laughable or ridiculous.
Invective—Heavy use of negative emotional language to abuse, denounce, or attack a person, a cause, an idea, or a system.

8. Invective
"Curse the blasted, jelly-boned swines, the slimy, the belly-wriggling invertebrates, the miserable sodding rotters, the flaming sods, the snivelling, dribbling, dithering, palsied pulse-less lot that make up England today how I hate them! Extermine them, slime. I could curse for hours and hours--God help me." (D.H. Lawrence, letter to editor Edward Garnett, July 3, 1912)

9. What is the tone of the satire?
Horatian – this form aims to correct through broad laughter
– cheerful
– urbane
– tongue-in-cheek
– optimistic
– warm
– witty
– gentle
– chiding

10. What is the tone of the satire?
Juvenalian – this form aims to reforms through mocking ridicule
– cutting
– bitter
– angry
– contemptuous
– grim
– sardonic
– harsh
– indignant

11. Satire and POV
Often employs a special kind of narrator called a mask or persona
This is the character through whom the action is observed or related
NOT NORMALLY TO BE CONSTRUED AS THE AUTHOR’S VOICE
Often has the presence of a character that serves as the “norm” or the standard against which we measure the other characters

12. Satire and POV Formal & Direct Informal & Indirect
Satiric voice speaks in first person
Informal & Indirect
Characters themselves reveal their folly & ridiculousness through their own actions, words and thoughts

13. Modern Day Satire

14. Sample Modern Parody

15. Satire in Action!

16. Satire In Action
Remember: Satire often pokes fun at some institution, person or aspect of human weakness
In the following cartoons, try to specifically point out what is being satirized.
Also try to come to a conclusion about what the artist/author wants his audience to think about by viewing the cartoon

17. Satire in Action What is being satirized?
What change does the artist possibly want to inspire?

18. Possible Responses: What is being satirized?
The artist is satirizing our youth’s preoccupation with games, computers and other technology. It is also satirizing parents who allow their children so much access to these distractions.
What change does the artist possibly want to inspire?
The artist wants children to play fewer games and for parents to step in and make their children focus on activities that will help them later in life.

19. Satire in Action What is being satirized?
What change does the artist possibly want to inspire?

20. Satire in Action What is being satirized?
What change does the artist possibly want to inspire?

21. Satire in Action What is being satirized?
What change does the artist possibly want to inspire?