1. Satire Humor as a weapon

2. Definition Satire (n.): 1) a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn. 2) Trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly. Basically, satire is an attempt to make social problems obvious by “making fun” of them.

3. Methods of Satire Direct methods: ridicule, derision, humor, parody. Indirect (subtle) methods: burlesque, exaggeration, irony. Satire may involve humor, but it does not necessarily need to be funny.

4. Current Examples The Onion The Colbert Report The Daily Show (to a lesser extent) Family Guy The Simpsons SNL—Weekend Update The Boondocks (both TV and print cartoon) Weird Al

5. Historical Examples Jonathan Swift: Gulliver’s Travels, “A Modest Proposal” Political cartoons Voltaire: Candide George Orwell: Animal Farm Aesop’s Fables

6. Detecting Satire Satire is often difficult to detect. Sometimes, it is assumed to be meant in earnest. Ask yourself: – Is there any irony? – Is there exaggeration or stereotyping? – Are there metaphors or symbols that seem to be politically-oriented? – Is the presenter playing Devil’s Advocate? – Towards whom does the humor (or ridicule) appear to be directed? – What criticism does the presenter seem to be making?