SatireAn introduction

What is satire anyway? From the reading assigned take a few

minutes to write down the definition of satire in your own words.

A few definitions… First, let’s hear yours! “A literary technique in which ideas,

customs, behaviors or institutions are ridiculed for the purpose of improving society.” (northwestern)

“literary technique of writing or art which principally ridicules its subject often as an intended means of provoking or preventing change.” (wiktionary)

Satire… Is a genre or mode of writing Has two types:

› Direct: addressing a specific person A public figure like the president The reader

› Indirect: uses fictional characters to represent particular points of view. These characters are made ridiculous through their own actions or through the narrator’s commentary about them. Uvic Writer’s Guide)

Satirical Devices Hyperbole- over exaggeration for

emphasis or humor

Example:› My sister uses so much makeup,... she

broke a chisel trying to get it off last night!

Satirical Devices Litotes- understatement

Example:› It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little

tumor on the brain. —J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Satirical Devices Oxymoron- a combination of

contradictory words

Examples:› The lady is 90 years young.› Jumbo shrimp› Act naturally

Satirical Devices Innuendo- subtle suggestion of ideas

instead of blunt statement

Example:› Can the Governor be trusted? You be the

Judge.› I am one candidate in this race that does

not have a drinking problem

Satirical Devices Irony- the literal meanings contrast with

the intended meaning

Example:› Altered Alanis Morissette lyric

An old man turned ninety-eight. He won the lottery and died the next day... of chronic emphysema from inhalation of the latex particles scratched off decades' worth of lottery tickets. Wikianswers And isn’t it ironic…don’t ya think

Parody Satire’s less serious cousin A literary or musical work in which the style of an

author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule (northwestern)

Extremely popular in music and movies

Satire (and parody)in music

White and Nerdy

Satire (and parody) in movies

Try to identify the criticism being made in each of these movie examples.

Satire in Cartoons

Satire News! “Fake news” something you all can

recognize› Satire- often makes social commentary› Parody- imitates the style of popular news

“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” “The Colbert Report” The Onion paper and video Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend

Update”

Ways to Identify Satire Remember that a speaker’s persona

may be different from that of her/his true self

If it seems too outrageous to be true Keep in mind the devices discussed

earlier like irony, hyperbole, etc. Remember the SOAPS model and find

the true purpose… it will help you determine if the work is satirical