Satire

Definition

Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society as a whole. It often aims to provoke thought and encourage change by highlighting flaws and absurdities within its subject matter. Through its sharp commentary, satire can reveal deeper truths about human nature and social issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ben Jonson's plays often feature satire as a means to critique societal norms and behaviors, using witty dialogue and sharp characterizations.
2. In The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer employs satire to expose the corruption and hypocrisy within various social classes, particularly among the clergy.
3. The heroic couplet was frequently used in satirical poetry, allowing writers to convey complex ideas and humor through structured verse.
4. Thomas More's Utopia presents a satirical vision of an ideal society, critiquing contemporary political practices and social injustices through its portrayal of a perfect world.
5. Thomas Nashe's The Unfortunate Traveller utilizes satire to comment on the human condition and societal vices through the misadventures of its protagonist.

Review Questions

• How does Ben Jonson use satire in his plays to reflect societal issues?
  • Ben Jonson effectively uses satire in his plays to reflect societal issues by employing humor and sharp dialogue that critiques the behaviors and morals of his characters. He often targets social pretensions and political corruption, creating exaggerated portrayals that expose the folly of his subjects. Through this satirical lens, Jonson not only entertains but also encourages audiences to reflect on the societal flaws of his time.
• Discuss how satire in The Canterbury Tales serves to highlight the flaws of different social classes.
  • In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer employs satire to highlight the flaws of different social classes by depicting characters with exaggerated traits that reflect their societal roles. For instance, the Pardoner's greed and the Summoner's corruption serve as sharp critiques of the church's moral failings. By using humor and irony, Chaucer invites readers to question the integrity of those in power and encourages a reevaluation of social hierarchies.
• Evaluate the role of satire in shaping societal discourse as illustrated by More's Utopia and Nashe's The Unfortunate Traveller.
  • Satire plays a crucial role in shaping societal discourse in both More's Utopia and Nashe's The Unfortunate Traveller by challenging contemporary political norms and exposing human vices. More's Utopia presents a satirical critique of 16th-century society by contrasting it with an ideal world that highlights existing injustices. Similarly, Nashe uses satire to explore the absurdities of human behavior through his protagonist's misadventures. Together, these works illustrate how satire can provoke critical thought and inspire discussions about social reform and moral improvement.

Related terms

Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used in satire to emphasize contradictions.

Parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular style, genre, or work, used to mock or comment on the original.

Caricature: An exaggerated portrayal of a person or thing, highlighting certain traits or features for comic effect, often found in satirical works.