SATIRE
A work that ridicules its subject
through the use of techniques such
as exaggeration, reversal, and
incongruity.
SATIRE
Satire is a literary device that uses irony or wit usually
in a humorous way, to comment on or criticize a
person, group or event. Usually the intention of satiric
writing is to force a change in behaviour or to sway
public opinion.
Satire often involves elements of both parody and
caricature, but it is usually more complex than either of
them. While satire often intends to be humorous, its
ultimate goal is usually serious. Satire has been used to
call attention to dangerous living conditions,
hypocritical public figures and business leaders’ illegal
actions. A good satire makes its audience laugh
and causes them to reconsider an issue.
Analyzing a Cartoon
What issue is this
cartoon asking
people to
reconsider?
How is irony and/or
wit being used?
Whose attitude is
this cartoon calling
attention to?
What is being
criticized?
Some Techniques of Satire
Exaggeration
Reversal (When the satirist uses/describes the opposite of
what he actually wants to happen in order to make a point)
Incongruity (1. Lacking in harmony; incompatible: a joke that
was incongruous with polite conversation. 2. Not in agreement,
as with principles; inconsistent: a plan incongruous with reason.
3. Not in keeping with what is correct, proper, or logical;
inappropriate: incongruous behaviour.)
Parody (Weird Al:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss_BmTGv43M)
Sarcasm (Oscar Wilde wrote, “I am not young enough to
know everything.”)
Quickly, jot down a list of what
you did yesterday…
Example: woke up, had a shower, at
breakfast, got ready, went to school, went
to class, had lunch, more classes, went to
gas station, bought groceries, went home,
played with kids, ate supper, went for a
walk, did baths, kids to bed, marking,
watched TV, got ready, went to bed
Pay Attention to What Happens
to This Family...
Why might The Simpson begin
with these events:
Bart writing on the board
Bart on his skateboard
Homer leaving and driving home from
work
Marge at the supermarket checkout
Lisa playing the saxophone
The family racing for the couch in front of
the television
What might these events be
satirizing?
Bart writing on the Public Education
board
Childhood
Bart on his skateboard
Plight of the Working
Homer leaving and
Man
driving home from work
Marge at the Consumerism (Maggie
supermarket checkout costs $847.63)
Lisa playing the Restrictions of public
saxophone education and free
The family racing for the thought
couch in front of the Impact of Television on
television the Modern Family