Satire: An Introduction
What is satire?
 Satire is a literary form in which human
follies or vices are held up to ridicule or
scorn.
 Satire often pokes fun at or ridicules some
aspect of society or a topic of interest in
order to hopefully improve it or inspire
change.
 It uses humor as a weapon against
something that exists outside the work itself.
Satire IS Everywhere:
 In cartoons like Sponge
Bob or The Simpsons
 In cartoons on the
editorial pages of
publications
 Late night tv shows like
Saturday Night Live or
The Jon Stewart Show
 In music in songs by
artists such as Weird Al
and Cletus T. Judd
Characteristics of Satire:
 Satire is easily dated because it is often
inspired by current events. It may be hard to
understand if one is not familiar with the event
that is being referenced.
 It uses edgy humor in an attempt to reform or
change human behavior or values.
 It compares reality to what is ideal, but asks
why is this problematic?
 Any individual or issue is fair game for the
writer of satire.
Major Devices of Satire
 Parody—a take-off or
imitation of a work of art or
literature
 Litotes/Understatement—
saying less than what is really
mean “Oh, those chemo
treatments were a piece of
cake”
 Hyperbole/Exaggeration—
overstating or expanding the
facts relating to an issue
More Devices of Satire
. Negative comments or
insults may be made
regarding issues related to
society (politics, health
care, racial issues, etc.)
Major Devices of Satire
Irony is the tension between what the
audience expects to happen and what
actually happens.
 A. Dramatic irony—the audience knows
something a character does not
 B. Verbal irony—a character means the
opposite of what he or she says
 C. Situational irony—the outcome of the
situation is opposite of what is expected
Major Devices of Satire
 Satire often contains
stereotypes, which is a
generalization assigned
to an entire group.
 What stereotypes of
Kentuckians are
represented in this
photo?
 What stereotypes are
often applied to
teenagers today?
Major Devices of Satire
 Reversal, which is
presenting the opposite
of normal order.
Major Devices of Satire
 Incongruity:
Presenting things
that are absurd in
relation to the
surroundings.
Understanding Satire
 To understand the message of satire, it’s
important to ask yourself these questions:
 What is the issue being targeted in the
work?
 How does the creator seem to feel about
the issue?
 What does he seem to think should
change about the issue?
Understanding Satire: What is the
message in this?