1. What is SATIRE? Definition: Writing that uses humor to criticize, prove a point, or persuade Ridicules to show absurdity Sentence The Office is a satirical show that ridicules corporate life.

2. SATIRE… Is persuasive—examines foolish behavior to keep others from repeating it Measures reality against an ideal Depends on the topic for effectiveness—can go out of style or be misunderstood Holds nothing sacred—has been used against any target, even if offensive

3. When we analyze satire, we analyze WHAT/WHO, and HOW… WHAT is being criticized? WHO is the target? HOW does the author criticize?

4. Two Basic types of SATIRE… “Playful Satire” ridicules more than criticizes More gentle Is playfully amusing Goal = correct vice or foolishness with gentle laughter and understanding This type of satirist “sees folly everywhere but is moved to gentle laughter rather than to rage.”

5. Two Basic types of SATIRE… “Bitter Satire” criticizes More harsh and accusing Criticizes corruption or incompetence with outrage and provokes a darker kind of laughter Goal = change or reform This type of satirist is a “man who is horrified and angered by corruption” (Juvenal—Roman writer and orator). Michael Moore, director of Bowling for Columbine and Sicko

6. How authors criticize (the Elements of SATIRE) These are the techniques authors use to create satire.

7. 1. Exaggeration Definition to enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous Sentence Political cartoons often exaggerate the size of George Bush’s ears.

8. 2. Incongruity Definition To present things that are out of place in relation to the surroundings Sentence A baby in a golf clubhouse sitting at a computer is incongruous.

9. 3. Reversal Definition To present the opposite of the normal order. Example The “How to talk to your parents about cell phone usage” ad campaign is an example of reversal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI CRwk0cbmA

10. 4. Parody Definition To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing Sentence Saturday Night Live features many parodies of politicians.

11. Examples of SATIRE The Daily Show Scary Movie Austin Powers Political Cartoons Weird Al Yankovich songs Mockumentaries The Onion

12. Types of Irony (Many satirists use irony, but just because a text contains irony doesn’t mean it’s satire)

13. Situational Irony Definition When something happens that is very different from what the audience or reader expects to happen. Example A fire station burning down is an example of situational irony.

14. Verbal Irony Definition When a person or character says one thing but means the opposite. Example Looking outside at a dreary, wet, miserable day, a man remarks, “Lovely day for a stroll”.