25 Devices of Satire

Caricature

Satirical technique that uses the exaggeration of a physical feature or trait → drawing

(ex: political cartoons)

Exaggeration

Satirical technique; to enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen

Wit

The ability to use words in a smart and humorous way

Irony

Satirical device where the actual intent is exposed in words which carry the opposite meaning; achieved through techniques such as hyperbole and understatement

Sarcasm

Saying something but meaning another in sharply mocking or contemptuous remark

Target (comedic)

The subject or “butt” of the joke/satirical work. Expected interpretation

Vices

A moral failing, bad habit, or social flaw that is exposed, mocked, and made laughable to inspire reform

Follies

Foolish, absurd, or ridiculous behaviors/traits/missteps of human nature comedy aims to expose/correct

Situational Irony

Happens when the actual result of an EVENT is opposite of expected

Dramatic Irony

Audience knows info the characters do not know

Parody

Imitates and ridicules the techniques and/or style of some genre

Incongruity

Present things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to their surroundings

(ex: oxymoron, metaphor, irony)

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration for figurative effect

Spoof

Lighthearted comedic work that mimics and exaggerates the style of a specific selection to make fun of it

Mockery

The act of making fun of, ridiculing someone often by imitating/mimicry

Farce

A play filled w/ ridiculous or absurd happenings, broad humor, buffoonery and horseplay

Slapstick

A style of comedy that relies on exaggerated physical actions and harmless violence to make people laugh

Overstatement and Understatement

Opposite literary devices used to exaggerate or downplay the reality of a situation for emotional, humorous, or rhetorical effect

Double-Entendre (Pun)

A word or phrase open to two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or indecent

Antithesis

Places 2 contrasting ideas side by side in a parallel grammatical structure → witty effect

Reversal

A sudden change in characters fortune/direction of the plot that flips situation to exact opposite → back to point of origin

Juxtaposition

Placement of two or more contrasting things side by side to highlight their differences/reveal surprising similarities

Lampoon

Spear one person/group/institution

Pathos

Appeals to audience emotions → powerful → the heart

Mock-heroic

Uses grand and formal style to describe mundane subjects, mocking elements traditionally heroic

Travesty

Treatment of a dignified subject in a vulgar/absurd manner