Satire

Definition

Satire is a literary technique used to expose and criticize foolishness, corruption, or societal shortcomings through humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. This method often aims to provoke thought and inspire change by highlighting flaws in human behavior or institutions, making it a powerful tool in both literature and social commentary.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Satire became especially prominent during the Enlightenment as writers sought to challenge authority and traditional values, reflecting new ways of thinking about society.
2. In Restoration comedy, satire was employed to critique social norms and human behavior through witty dialogue and humorous situations.
3. Jonathan Swift's works exemplify satire's potential for serious commentary, addressing issues like colonialism and economic inequality in pieces like 'A Modest Proposal.'
4. Alexander Pope's use of satire in poetry often targeted the superficiality of the elite and the literary world, revealing deeper societal flaws.
5. The periodical essay emerged as a new form of satire during the early 18th century, using accessible language and everyday topics to engage with a broad audience.

Review Questions

• How does satire serve as a reflection of societal values during the Enlightenment?
  • Satire during the Enlightenment reflected societal values by challenging traditional beliefs and questioning authority. Writers used humor and irony to expose the hypocrisy and corruption prevalent in society. This critical lens not only entertained but also encouraged readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the social structures around them, ultimately promoting intellectual discourse and change.
• Discuss how Restoration comedies utilized satire to critique social norms and what themes emerged from this literary approach.
  • Restoration comedies used satire as a sharp tool to critique social norms, particularly those surrounding marriage, class distinctions, and moral hypocrisy. The witty dialogues often revealed the absurdities of societal expectations and behaviors, emphasizing themes such as the folly of vanity and the complexity of human relationships. By highlighting these issues in an entertaining manner, playwrights like Congreve and Wycherley forced audiences to confront their own societal behaviors.
• Evaluate the impact of Jonathan Swift's satirical techniques in his works on public perception and policy during his time.
  • Jonathan Swift's satirical techniques had a profound impact on public perception and policy by using stark irony and outrageous proposals to draw attention to serious societal issues. In 'Gulliver's Travels,' he critiqued political corruption and human folly by presenting fantastical societies that mirrored real-world problems. Similarly, 'A Modest Proposal' shocked readers into recognizing the dire conditions faced by the poor in Ireland. Swift's ability to blend humor with biting criticism not only influenced public opinion but also pressured policymakers to address pressing social injustices.

Related terms

irony: A figure of speech where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used in satire to create humor or emphasize a point.

parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular genre, work, or style, often exaggerating its characteristics to critique the original.

lampoon: A form of satirical writing that publicly criticizes an individual or institution by using ridicule and mockery.