Literary Analysis: Satire
Authors use four different satirical techniques to in order to make a comment or criticism about a particular
subject. Those techniques that we’ve learned about are exaggeration, incongruity, parody, and reversal.
In five well-developed, extended paragraphs, ANALYZE three pieces of dystopian literature that you’ve read
during this class by explaining how the authors of those pieces used satirical techniques to criticize society.
Be sure to include:
• An identification as to the types of satirical techniques used (FIRST BUN)
• A description about what the technique is pointing out about society (SECOND BUN)
• A thesis statement as the last sentence of the introductory paragraph
• An introductory paragraph, three body/supporting paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph
• Appropriate parenthetical citations with ALL direct quotes (MEAT & CHEESE)
The choices for the literature you may analyze are:
1. “Harrison Bergeron” by Ray Bradbury
2. “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursula K. LeGuin
3. “There Will Come Soft Rains” by Ray Bradbury
4. “The Butter Battle Book” by Dr. Seuss
5. Your choice novel (remember to italicize the title of novels)
PARAGRAPH 1—INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Hook—How will you get the reader interested in your paper? Come up with an interesting STATEMENT to kick
it off, and write it here:
A little background—Write a sentence or two that clearly and concisely describes dystopian literature:
THESIS STATEMENT—Fill in the blanks: Authors of dystopian literature often use satirical techniques such as
___________________, ____________________, and _______________________ to criticize society.
PARAGRAPH 2—1st Body Paragraph
*The topic of this paragraph will be the 1st satirical technique that you listed in your thesis statement.
Write that technique here:
In one or two sentences, explain that technique:
Which piece of literature will you be using to show that technique? Give the title and author’s full name:
Copy the direct quote you’ll be using to illustrate this technique. Don’t forget to put the author’s last name
and page number in parenthesis immediately following the quote. Write all of that here:
Analyze what the quote tells the reader about what the author is criticizing in society. This should be one or
two complete sentences.
PARAGRAPH 3—2nd Body Paragraph
*The topic of this paragraph will be the 2nd satirical technique that you listed in your thesis statement.
Write that technique here:
In one or two sentences, explain that technique:
Which piece of literature will you be using to show that technique? Give the title and author’s full name:
Copy the direct quote you’ll be using to illustrate this technique. Don’t forget to put the author’s last name
and page number in parenthesis immediately following the quote. Write all of that here:
Analyze what the quote tells the reader about what the author is criticizing in society. This should be one or
two complete sentences.
PARAGRAPH 4—3rd Body Paragraph
*The topic of this paragraph will be the 3rd satirical technique that you listed in your thesis statement.
Write that technique here:
In one or two sentences, explain that technique:
Which piece of literature will you be using to show that technique? Give the title and author’s full name:
Copy the direct quote you’ll be using to illustrate this technique. Don’t forget to put the author’s last name
and page number in parenthesis immediately following the quote. Write all of that here:
Analyze what the quote tells the reader about what the author is criticizing in society. This should be one or
two complete sentences.
PARAGRAPH 5—Concluding Paragraph
Why do dystopian novels use satire?
How is satire a good way for an author to be critical of society and point out what he/she believes should be
changed in society?
In your own words, reword the thesis here: