What is Satire? Definition, Examples of Literary
Satire
What
is Satire?
What does satire mean? Satire is a style of writing that intends to ridicule and
point out society’s flaws. This ridicule is often masked in humor.
When using satire, the writer’s
intention is to expose what he thinks is a “problem” in society. This “problem”
could be popular or political.
The point of satire is not only to
expose but also to initiate change. The writer sees a problem and wants it
corrected.
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Political cartoons provide a writer
an avenue to critique society. The cartoonist does this through humor. The
cartoon is received well because the audience, whether in support of the
cartoonist’s view or not, can laugh at the subject matter. However, the writer
intends to point out a particular flaw that he thinks needs to be corrected.
Satire
vs. Irony
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Irony is a contrast between what is
expected and what actually occurs. For example, one does not expect a firehouse
to burn down. This incident would be ironic.
Irony is often used in satire to
expose flaws. Jonathan Swift’s satirical essay “A Modest Proposal” effectively
uses irony to communicate his point. (See below for a more detailed explanation
of this text.)
It is ironic that the Irish
government could not solve poverty and famine, yet Swift is able to compose a
completely viable solution. Swift’s solution itself is also ironic—one would
not expect his proposal to include breeding children. In fact, the audience
would likely expect anything but that.
Satirists often employ irony to
emphasize their point and to show just how egregious the flaws in society can
be.
Modern
Examples of Satire
Modern satire examples: The Daily Show is
a modern example of satire. The concept of the television show is to ridicule
current events through humor.
The show is organized to parody
nightly news broadcasts. However, the purpose is to deliver news coupled with a
particular perspective that exposes society’s flaws. The audience is left
laughing at critical issues that, according to the show’s position, should be
remedied.
What
is the Purpose of Satire?
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Humor is a method that allows a
writer to speak with impunity. Without humor, a writer would open himself to
critique. However, it is through satire and its humor that a writer is able to
ridicule without repercussion.
Ultimately, the satirist’s goal is
to expose society’s flaws and to inspire change.
How
Satire is Used in Literature
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Swift’s satiric essay, “A Modest Proposal” ironically evaluates solutions
to Ireland’s famine. In this essay, Swift exposes the Irish government’s
inability to aid its people. As a consequence, Swift suggests a form of human
breeding that will allow for economic recovery.
If taken at surface level, Swift’s
essay seems inhumane and revolting. However, that is precisely his point. He is
ironically suggesting an absurd solution to mock the government’s failures.
Summary:
What is a Satire?
Define satire: The definition of satire is,
- a style of writing that intends to ridicule and point out society’s flaws
- humorous or ironic in nature
- intended to inspire and initiate change
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