Satire is one of the funniest works an author can produce. But while the writing may be humorous, the topic is usually quite serious. Satirists use their work to draw attention to society’s flaws or those of the political and social systems. Most works of satire are overly exaggerated and not meant to be taken literally. However, the message is almost always a call to action.
What is Satire?
Satire is the art of using humor, sarcasm, wit, or irony to criticize a person, work, action, event, or institution. Satire is intended to embarass, denounce, or discredit an aspect of society in a truly humiliating way. Writers use satire to draw attention to social and political issues or to challenge commonly accepted beliefs, values, or ideas. Satire may be found across many mediums including literature, art, and film/TV as well as other forms of media.
How to pronounce Satire?
When do writers use Satire?
Writers use satire when they want to point out a flaw in society or its vices. Satire usually targets a specific person, work, institution, or belief in order to embarrass, demean, denounce, and/or discredit.
Writers use satire to draw attention to a specific issue and provoke a desire for change. By using humor, sarcasm, exaggeration, ridicule, and irony, writers create an awareness of the problem while encouraging a call to action disguised in humor.
Explain the types of Satire
As if satire is not confusing enough because of the constant confusion with parody and burlesque, satire consists of three main types.
- Horatian satire is not as sharp and biting as other types. It’s considered to be less cruel and only gently mocking and is often considered to be lighthearted and humorous, poking fun at human error. Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels is an excellent example of Horatian satire.
- Juvenalian satire typically attacks social vices and injustices and is considered particularly biting and critical of its subject. Juvenalian satire tends to be direct and indignant. It uses irony, sarcasm, and personal invective to target society. While humorous, it often has undertones of anger and resentfulness. A fantastic example of juvenalian satire is Jonathan Swift’s, A Modest Proposal.
- Menippean satire was made popular by Minippus but sadly, all of his writings have been lost. This type of satire is a combination of Horatian and Juvenalian satire to make its point. Mennippean satire focuses heavily on the attitudes of people and less on society as a whole. This type of satire typically tackles topics such as “pedants, bigots, cranks, parvenus, virtuosi, enthusiasts, rapacious and incompetent professional men of all kinds.” In order to create the desired effect, menippean satire uses a combination of humor and criticism.
Satire in Literature and Poetry 📚
In the following literary examples of satire, a brief explanation is given explaining how and why the author chose to openly mock or renounce the subject of their work.
A Modest Proposal, Jonathan Swift – In Swift’s famous essay mocking the upper crust’s treatment of famine and poverty in Ireland, he famously proposes that the overpopulation of children serve as a food source to the nobility.
In Voltaire’s satirical novel, Candide, he denounces the idea of metaphysical optimism embraced by his German colleague, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
The Rape of the Lock, Alexander Pope – In this poem, Pope compares the theft of Belinda’s stolen lock to the abduction of Helen of Troy. In this example, Pope uses this comparison to mock English society and point out their moral flaws.
Satire in Children’s Literatures 🧸
Satire is often used in children’s books to teach lessons in a humorous way. Some of the most famous, noteworthy examples include:
Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift – In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift uses sarcasm, humor, and exaggeration once again to draw attention to England’s political issues.
Animal Farm, George Orwell – Orwell’s story is a political satire mocking the totalitarian Russian society that was ruled by dictatorship at the time.
Satire in Film and Pop Culture 🎥
As in literature, there are many examples of satire in film and pop culture.
Family Guy – In the episode clip below, satire is used to both mock and illustrate the capitalist flaws found in American insurance companies.
Shrek (2001) – Oh! Where to start? So let’s just watch a clip.
While satire in song is not common, and very difficult to come across, Epic Rap Battles never fail to disappoint. In the following rap, William Shakespeare battles Dr. Seuss for the win.
Satire in Advertising 📺
Yes, there are some really great examples of satire in advertising. Sharp, funny, and totally on point, let’s take a peek at a few.
Dissolve, “This Is a Generic Millenial Ad” – In this ad, the makers use exaggerated sarcasm to illustrate all the flaws present in the millennial culture.
Chipotle takes on the entire agriculture industry.
And if a generic ad aimed at millennials wasn’t great enough, check out Ikea and “The Power of the Bookbook.” This ad uses satire to illustrate the disappearance of physical books by introducing the “bookbook,” a fully charged, completely wireless, reading and browsing device.
Often Confused with . . . 👥
Satire is very commonly confused with both parody and burlesque. While satire and parody can both stand on their own, they are often incorporated in burlesque writing to emphasize the point and humor of the work.
- Parody imitates an older, existing work but in a mocking, demeaning manner. Often humorous, parodies are not intended to flatter and instead seek to embarrass.
- Burlesque is a lewd and often sexually suggestive style of writing that mocks its subject in an outrageous, near impossible way. Burlesque writings intend to embarrass and demean in the lowest of ways.
FAQ 🤔
What is satire in literature?
How does satire enhance a text?
Satire enhances a text by adding layers of humor and critical commentary, allowing readers to reflect on societal norms, political climates, human behavior, and cultural practices. Through satire, writers can convey their critiques in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking, often sparking discussion or promoting awareness.
Can satire be found in both fiction and non-fiction?
Yes, satire can be found in both fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, it often takes the form of novels, short stories, or plays that incorporate satirical elements to critique society, politics, or human nature. In non-fiction, satire may appear in essays, articles, and even cartoons or other visual media, directly addressing real-life issues with a critical, humorous lens.
Why do writers use satire?
Writers use satire to challenge the status quo, highlight social injustices, and provoke thought or action by making readers laugh at the absurdities of certain situations or behaviors. It serves as a powerful tool for social and political commentary, offering a unique way to critique without directly confronting.
How can I identify satire in a text?
To identify satire in a text, look for elements of humor, irony, and exaggeration aimed at critiquing or mocking. Satirical works often present ridiculous scenarios or exaggerated characters to highlight real-world problems or flaws. Understanding the context in which the work was written and recognizing the target of the satire are key to identifying and appreciating its use.