1. Satire

2. What is Satire
A kind of writing that ridicules human weakness, vice or folly in order to bring about social reform

3. Purpose form of comedy make the audience aware of the "truth“
Due to its critical and judging nature, satire is sometimes deemed excessive or in poor taste.

4. History of Satire Latin: satur 1st introduced in the Old Comedy
Aristophanes
Poke fun at varying war participants
Disappeared after fall of Rome and reintroduced in 12th century.
Marked a time when un-Christian behavior of certain figures were marked
Ex. Canterbury Tales

5. History, cont’d Age of Enlightenment Victorian Era
17th, 18th century: deeply ingrained in society
Jonathan Swift
Modest Proposal
Victorian Era
Charles Dickens
Mark Twain

6. History cont’d Aristotle 3 Appeals 384 – 322 BC Greek philosopher
Pathos (Emotions)
Bases argument off of emotional appeal of the audience
Ethos (Ethics)
Bases argument on the values and ethics of the speaker
Logos (Logic)
Bases argument on the logic behind the speech or topic.

7. Types of Satire: Classification by Tone
Juvenalian Satire: Roman Poet Juvenal
Deliberate, abrasive and often-personal critique of individual or ideal
Utilized by speakers who see target as actively harmful to society or outright “evil”
Ex: Ray Bradbury- Fahrenheit 451
Rise of television entertainment, growing ad industry, and censorship of American Literature and media

8. Types of Satire: Classification by Tone
Horatian Satire: Roman poet Quitus Horatius Flaccus (Horace)
Humorous, Light-hearted
Gentle: commentary on what is believed “good”
“Carpe Diem”
Early Modern and Modern Western Literature
Ex: Benjamin Franklin
Ex: Mark Twain; Advice to Youth

9. Types of Satire: Classification by Topic
Political & Topical Satire
Most popular form; since Aristophanes’ Old Comedy
Approach to complex subjects and social change through humor
Incredibly popular in American Media
Ex: The Daily Show and Colbert Report- regularly satirize politicians and political strife
Saturday Night Live, Simpsons, South Park, etc.

10. Types of Satire: Classification by Topic
Religious & Philosophical Satire
Critiques religious or philosophical beliefs of those who practice a certain faith or doctrine.
Seen to be an “attack” of religion at large
Chaucer and Erasmus, written at point of view of believer as well as those who would critique religion or – philosophy from outside that worldview
Ex: Canterbury Tales, Monty Python,

11. Elements of Satire Exaggeration Hyperbole Understatement Irony Sarcasm
making something bigger than it really is; overstating
Hyperbole
exaggerated exaggeration
Understatement
making important things sound casual or inconsequential
Irony
say one thing and mean the opposite
Sarcasm
cutting/ biting comments

12. Influences of Satire The Colbert Report The Onion Political Cartoons
Media
politicalhumor.about.com