SATIRE IN LITERATURE
TAKE CORNELL NOTES
Example
ELEMENTS OF SATIRE
1. Humor
2. Criticism
• either general criticism of humanity
or human nature
• specific criticism of an individual or
group
3. Need for Change
• pointing out that something needs to
change
ANALYSIS OF EXAMPLES
As we watch the examples, respond to the
following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Who or what is the subject of this piece?
What is the example’s main message?
What is the feeling you get from it?
What makes it amusing/powerful/attentiongetting?
5. What is the deeper message? What in our current
society is the satire trying to change?
Remember the elements of satire:
humor + criticism + need for change
EXAMPLES
• The Simpsons “Two Party System”2008
• Bill Clinton was seeking reelection
• Bob Dole was the Republican
candidate
• Homer Simpson Votes 2012
SATIRICAL DEVICES
EXAGGERATION / OVERSTATEMENT
• Most common type of satire
• Something that does happen, but
represents it as better or worse
than it really Example:
• Hyperbole – wildly exaggerated (absurd)
iPhone: A Taller Change
"#Hashtag" with Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake
UNDERSTATEMENT
• Statement that seems
incomplete/less than
truthful given the
facts
• Something purposely
represented as being
far less important than
it actually is
(Think sarcasm with the
intentions of evoking
change.)
Example: A Nasty Bite
INCONGRUITY
To present things that are out of place or
absurd in relation to its surroundings.
Example: Volkswagen Ad
REVERSAL
The opposite of the normal order
Example: People Park
SARCASM
• Harsh, cutting,
personal remarks to
or about someone
• The term came
from the Greek
word “sarkazein”
• means “to tear
flesh.”
Example: Sarcasm Sign
PARODY
Example: The Great Dictator
• A mocking imitation
• Composition imitating another
• Designed to criticize the original
IRONY
• 3 types of irony:
• Dramatic
• Situational
• Verbal
DRAMATIC IRONY
When the audience knows more than a
character
Example: Scooby Do
SITUATIONAL IRONY
When what happens is different from the
audience’s expectations
Example: Scary Movie
Example: Sponge Bob
VERBAL IRONY
When a character or writer says something
different than what he or she truly means
Example: Shrek
Example: Family Guy Nice Day
EXAMPLE OF SATIRE #1
What message is the cartoonist conveying?
What satirical devices does the artist use?
Write a response in your notes.
#2
What message is the cartoonist conveying?
What satirical devices does the artist use?
Write a response in your notes.
Key & Peele “School Bully”
(warning: adult language and homophobic slurs)
#3
What message is the
cartoonist conveying?
What satirical devices
does the artist use?
Write a response in your
notes.
What message is the cartoonist conveying?
#4
What satirical devices does the artist use?
Write a response in your notes.
#5
What message is being conveyed?
What satirical devices does the artist use?
Write a response in your notes.
• Facebook CIA Project
#6
What message is being conveyed?
What satirical devices does the artist use?
Write a response in your notes.
Stephen Colbert Goes to Boot Camp