Satire

Humor

is when the author makes you laugh to simply entertain. Can be good natured or more malicious, but its purpose is entertainment.  

Satire

The literary art of using criticism, amusement, humor, and scorn to make a subject ridiculous. Can be humorous, but it doesn’t have to be. Oxford Dictionary defines satire as "the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's foolishness or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other social issues.” Creates an argument and has a target.

Horatian

aims to correct or reform through humor and wit; à gentle, more sympathetic form of satire in which the subject is made fun of with a show of engaging wit. This form of satire tends to ask the audience to laugh at themselves as much as the players.

Juvenalian

points with contempt to the corruption society. A harsher, bitter form of satire in which the target is subjected to condemnation. This form of satire is more judgmental, asking the audience to respond with anger. There may be little humor in this type of satire.  The subject-matter for this genre is usually much more sensitive or controversial in nature (religion, ethnicity, disability, gender roles)

Direct Satire

clearly stated.  The target is obvious.  The author/ speaker directly targets and directly addresses the subject of the satire. 

Indirect Satire

communicated through characters, a situation, plot, etc. The satire is less obvious and the meaning is more hidden.  As readers, we may not expect the satire and may be surprised midway through the text.  

Parody

To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing in order to ridicule the original. For parody to be successful, the reader must know the original subject that is being ridiculed.

Incongruity

To present things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to its surroundings. Particular techniques include oxymoron, metaphor, and irony.

Dramatic Irony

When the words or actions of a character carry a meaning unperceived by that character, but are fully understood by the audience. (The audience knows more than the characters.)

Socratic Irony

Faking ignorance to achieve some advantage over an opponent.

Malapropisms

incorrect words used in place of correct words; these can be unintentional or intentional, but both cases have a comedic effect.

Invective

Harsh, abusive language directed against a person or cause. It’s a vehicle, tool of anger/ bitterness. 

Exaggeration

To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen.

Caricature

the exaggeration of a physical feature or trait. Cartoons, especially political cartoons, provide extensive examples of caricature.

Burlesque

the ridiculous exaggeration of language. For instance, when a character who should use formal, intelligent language speaks like a fool, or a character who is portrayed as uneducated uses highly sophisticated, intelligent language.

Reversal

To present the opposite of the normal order. Reversal can focus on the order of events, or on hierarchical order—for instance, if a young child makes all the decisions for a family.  OR a sudden twist in the satire can also act as reversal- a surprise ending.  

Understatement

Speech that deliberately minimizes a situation for comic effect.

Travesty

Presents a serious social issue/ subject frivolously, reducing everything to its lowest level. (Form of understatement)

Juxtaposition

placing two contrasting things side-by-side to highlight their differences and create an interesting effect, idea, or comparison

Analogy

a comparison between two different things to explain or clarify a concept, showing how they are similar in some way

Hyperbole

uses extreme exaggeration to create emphasis, make a point, or create a dramatic, humorous, or memorable effect, not meant to be taken literally