satire Flashcards
is the use of humor, irony or hyperbole to critique something or someone, particularly in the context of political or social issues.
Satire
3 types of usage of satire
sarcasm, ridicule or irony.
LITERARY DEVICES
irony, hyperbole, and
understatement
highlights the difference
between belief and
reality.
Irony
exaggerates a single
characteristic or element
of the subject of the
satire to steer the
audience’s attention.
Hyperbole
Understating an aspect of
what is being satirizedcan
help develop a humorous
response.
UNDERSTATEMENT
PURPOSE of satire
The function of
satire is to create
awareness,
motivation, or
both.
✔ Tone: Lighthearted, humorous, and witty
✔ Purpose: To amuse and entertain while gently
criticizing social vices
✔ Example: Playfully pokes fun at human behavior
without being too harsh
Horatian Satire
✔ Tone: Harsh, bitter, and critical
✔ Purpose: To attack corruption, hypocrisy, and
injustice with scorn and moral outrage
✔ Example: Uses sarcasm, irony, and sharp
criticism to expose societal flaws
E.g. Political Cartoons – Many editorial
cartoons harshly criticize politicians and
social issues.
Juvenalian Satire
Tone: Intellectual, playful, and philosophical
✔ Purpose: To attack mental attitudes and viewpoints
rather than specific individuals or institutions
✔ Example: Often presented in a mix of prose and
dialogue with ironic humor
Menippean Satire