1. Understanding Satire What…is…satire? Have you SEEN it? Have you READ it? Do you “get” it?

2. What is satire? Satire is witty language or visuals crafted to convey insults, to scorn, or to mock. It's a way of criticizing people or ideas in a humorous way. Satire is found in the form of plays, short stories, novels, TV commercials, web sites, TV script writing, movie scripts, etc. Let’s see a quick example. You may laugh or your eyes go wide because you pick up on the humor or intended shock, but the purpose for writing this is not to entertain. Think about this question while viewing: Is the script writer’s purpose to inform, to persuade, or to criticize? Tensions Mount After North Korea Destroys All Of Asia

3. How is satire created? Satire relies on irony to contrast two concepts or ideas so that the reader or viewer is stricken by a noticeable difference. Do you already know the three types of irony you will need to be aware of? Jot down your thoughts, and let’s see. Irony Dramatic Verbal Situational the audience knows something that the character(s) do not know the literal meaning of words is the opposite of the intended meaning. the reader is led to reasonably believe one line of action will occur when, in fact, the opposite occurs “Nice shirt.” TV commercials: the tongue ring & “you’ve paid too much” horror movies or soap operas Type Definition Example

4. Let’s see if you truly “get” irony. ;D

5. One…last…related concept is important for you to understand: What is the difference between IRONY and COINCIDENCE? Is there a difference? i ‧ ro ‧ ny : incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs. co ‧ in ‧ ci ‧ dence : A sequence of events that, although accidental, occur simultaneously. key = opposite key = same Do you realize how powerful coincidence is in our lives? Warning: the next few minutes may change your beliefs in luck, in clairvoyance, your approach to dating, and even your world view…

6. Steps to Understanding Satire 4. Construct the author’s opinion/message. 3. Synthesize the topic being addressed. 2. Identify and contrast concepts in the irony presented. 1. Summarize what is going on LITERALLY. Think about this one for a moment, and then let’s work through the thought process together.

7. SATIRE BREAKDOWN LITERAL SUMMARY: IRONY & 2 CONCEPTS IN CONTRAST EXPLAINED: TOPIC ADDRESSED: AUTHOR’S OPINION/MESSAGE: A man with a ship captain’s hat and uniform on that says “USA” is looking through a hand telescope; however, he is holding it backwards and (confidently) looking through the wrong end. Situational Irony: A viewer would expect or is led to believe that a President or Captain is the smartest and brightest when in fact, here he shows he is not by making a simple mistake and not even recognizing it. Dramatic Irony: A viewer knows that the telescope should be used in the opposite way where the character here does not appear to know that. George Bush True, yet NOT the best answer: US Presidents, US leadership True, yet NOT the best answer: George Bush is not a bright or intelligent leader. Better, yet still not the BEST: George Bush’s view of the world is backward. Refined skill at understanding satire, The BEST: Bush only focuses on domestic policy