Understanding Satire

Understanding Satire Humor For The Intelligent Sort…Will you get it?

Satire Defined • One of the oldest forms of literature and one of the most durable • A constructive art that seeks not merely to destroy but to rebuild; aim is to inspire reform –humor + criticism = inspired reform

Satire Defined • Actually very conservative • Cherishes a sound society,, good traditions,, and wise,, viable institutions • Values the general welfare and the public good • Audience is reasonably intelligent, educated and rational –No point in appealing to fools, they won’t get it

Satire Versus Sarcasm • Satire – blend of criticism and humor for the purposes of CORRECTION OR IMPROVEMENT • Sarcasm– simple abuse consisting of a series of insults

Three Golden Satire Questions 1. What institutions,, practices,, and/or groups are being satirized? 2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire? 3. What is the tone of the satire?

What institutions, institutions,, practices,, and/orgroups are being satirized? • 1. A group or organization • 2. Individuals • 3. A “sort” or type of person • 4. A social class • 5. A prevailing philosophy • 6. Social manners • 7. Modern progress • 8. Mankind

What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire? • Parody - a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing • Irony - Saying one thing and meaning the opposite • Sarcasm - Using cruel or cutting irony •Understatement - Saying less than what is really meant or saying something with less force than is appropriate.

What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire? • Burlesque - an artistic composition, especially literary or dramatic, that, for the sake of laughter, vulgarizes lofty material or treats ordinary material with mock dignity. • Caricature - a picture, description, etc., ludicrously exaggerating the peculiarities or defects of persons or things • Fable - a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters

What is the tone of the satire? • Horatian– this form aims to correct through broad laughter – cheerful – urbane – tongue--in--cheek – optimistic – warm – witty – gentle – chiding

What is the tone of the satire? • Juvenalian – this form aims to reforms through mocking ridicule – cutting – bitter – angry – contemptuous – grim – sardonic – harsh – indignant

Satire and POV • Often employs a special kind of narrator called a mask or persona – This is the character through whom the action is observed or related – NOT NORMALLY TO BE CONSTRUED AS THE AUTHOR’S VOICE – Often has the presence of a character that serves as the “norm” or the standard against which we measure the other characters

Satire and POV Formal & Direct • Satiric voice speaks in first person Informal & Indirect • Characters themselves reveal their folly & ridiculousness through their own actions, words and thoughts

Three Golden Satire Questions 1. What institutions,, practices,, and/or groups are being satirized? 2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire? 3. What is the tone of the satire?

Three Golden Satire Questions 1. What institutions,practices,and/or groups are being satirized? 2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire? 3. What is the tone of the satire?

What Have You Learned? 1. Satire appears only in fictional writings. a. true b. false 2. Satires are usually NOT aimed at _________________. a. a particular person b. an animal c. society 3. The primary goal of a satire is to _______________________. a. make people laugh b. celebrate human achievements c. bring about social reform

Homework • Part A – Find two examples of satire & answer the three golden rule questions for each. • Part B – Create two (original) examples of a satire & answer the three golden rule questions for each.

Understanding Satire