EV 3

H. English 10 - Mr. Crean

satire (n)

the strategic use of irony to expose and condemn vice in society. Though it may appear destructive on the surface, effective satire is ultimately constructive, aiming at reform rather than ridicule for its own sake.

satirical target (n)

the specific person, institution, ideology, or behavior being criticized

vice (n)

a serious moral failing—such as greed, hypocrisy, cruelty, or corruption—that satire seeks to expose and condemn

caricature (n)

exaggerating a defining trait, behavior, or flaw in order to make the target’s vice more visible.

hyperbole (n)

extreme exaggeration used to magnify a flaw, hypocrisy, or absurdity

understatement (n)

deliberately minimizing something serious in order to heighten its significance through contrast.

incongruity (n)

bringing together elements that do not logically fit in order to highlight absurdity or contradiction

reversal (n)

presenting the opposite of what is truly meant or desired; praising what deserves criticism or condemning what deserves praise

verbal irony

saying one thing while meaning another, often the opposite, to create layered meaning.

situational irony (n)

a reversal between what is expected and what actually occurs, exposing flawed assumptions

dramatic irony (n)

when the audience understands the absurdity of a situation more clearly than the speaker within the satire.

parody (n)

imitating the style, tone, or structure of a well-known work, genre, or voice while altering key elements to reveal weakness or folly.

double entendre/pun (n)

a word or phrase with two meanings, used to create layered or ironic commentary.

idiom (n)

a common expression whose meaning differs from its literal wording.

ostensible author (n)

the persona or voice the satirist adopts to deliver critique indirectly.

wit (n)

intellectual sharpness and inventive language that combines cleverness with critique.

sarcasm (n)

a sharp or cutting form of verbal irony intended to wound; unlike satire, it may lack reformative purpose.

deadpan (n)

delivering absurd or outrageous content in a serious, matter-of-fact tone to heighten irony.

euphemism (n)

replacing harsh realities with mild language to expose avoidance or hypocrisy.

invective (n)

direct, forceful denunciation of a target; more common in darker satire.