 
Satire refers to a work that ridicules:
  human vices and follies
  or social institutions and conventions
 The effects of satire are varied, depending on
the writer's goal, but good satire, often
humorous, is thought provoking and
insightful about the human condition.
 Regardless of whether or not the work
aims to reform human behavior, satire is
best seen as a style of writing rather
than a purpose for writing.
 It is a manner of writing that mixes a
critical attitude with wit and humor.
 It can be recognized by the many devices
used effectively by the satirist:
 hyperbole (exaggeration)
 understatement
 irony
 sarcasm (verbal irony)
 caricature
 Additionally, word choice (diction) and
sentence structure (syntax) create
humor as well as a wide range of
satirical tones.
 It is a manner of writing that mixes
a critical attitude with wit and humor.
Subject
Occasion
What is the comment about these events?
 The following slides describe the various
devices that often appear in satirical
writing.
 
Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration to achieve an
effect; overstatement.
 
“I had to move revolvers out of my way to make
room for my bowl of Rice Krispies on the kitchen
table.”
 
Understatement – a rhetorical form in which the
force of a descriptive statement is less than what
one would normally expect
 
For Example:
  “Being tortured with fire must have been
somewhat uncomfortable.”
  “Rap videos with dancers in them are not
uncommon.“
  “There are a just few Starbucks in America."
 
Irony
 
The contrast between what is stated
explicitly and what is really meant
 
The difference between what appears
to be and what actually is true
 
In general, there are three major types
of irony used in language: verbal,
situational, and dramatic.
 
But, for non-fiction writing, one only
needs to focus on verbal irony and
situational irony
 
In verbal irony, the words literally state
the opposite of the writer's (or
speaker's) true meaning.
 
“I looked up at those crows flying away
and thought, I’m going to like it here.”
 
In situational irony, events turn out the
opposite of what was expected.
 
Non-fiction writers usually describe
situations that are ironic to draw attention
to the incongruities of that situation to
make a larger point.
 
Sometimes materializing in anecdotes,
situational irony is a subtle device used in
satirical pieces.
 
A caricature is an exaggeration or other
distortion of an individual's prominent
features or characteristics to the point
of making that individual appear
ridiculous.
 
The term is applied more often to
graphic representations than to literary
ones.
  While we read Twain’s work, we will notice his
use of satire to convey messages.
 Next week, you will be completing a practice
rhetorical analysis essay and activities.
 Then, on Wednesday, March 25th you will
have a timed-writing rhetorical analysis essay
in class.