Humor For The Intelligent Sort…Will you get it? Understanding Satire

Humor For The IntelligentSort…Will you get it?

Understanding Satire

Satire Defined

One of the oldest forms of literature and one of the most durable

A constructive art that seeks not merely to destroy but to rebuild; aim is to inspire reform–humor + criticism = inspired reform

Satire Defined

Actually very conservative Cherishes a sound society,, good

traditions,, and wise,, viable institutions Values the general welfare and the public

good Audience is reasonably intelligent,

educated and rational–No point in appealing to fools, they won’t get it

Satire Versus Sarcasm

Satire – blend of criticism and humor for the purposes ofCORRECTION OR IMPROVEMENT

Sarcasm– simple abuse consisting of a series of insults

Three Golden Satire Questions

1. What institutions,, practices,, and/or groups are being satirized?

2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?

3. What is the tone of the satire?

What institutions, institutions,, practices,, and/orgroups are being satirized?

1. A group or organization2. Individuals3. A “sort” or type of person4. A social class5. A prevailing philosophy6. Social manners7. Modern progress8. Mankind

What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?

Parody - a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing

Irony - Saying one thing and meaning the opposite

Sarcasm - Using cruel or cutting irony

•Understatement - Saying less than what is really meant or saying something

with less force than is appropriate.

What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?

Burlesque - an artistic composition, especially literary or dramatic, that, for the sake of laughter, vulgarizes lofty material or treats ordinary material with mock dignity.

Caricature - a picture, description, etc., ludicrously exaggerating the peculiarities or defects of persons or things

Fable - a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters

What is the tone of the satire?

Horatian – this form aims to correctthrough broad laughter

– cheerful– urbane– tongue--in--cheek– optimistic– warm– witty– gentle– chiding

What is the tone of the satire?

Juvenalian – this form aims to reformsthrough mocking ridicule

– cutting– bitter– angry– contemptuous– grim– sardonic– harsh– indignant

Satire and POV

Often employs a special kind of narrator called a mask or persona

– This is the character through whom the action is observed or related

– NOT NORMALLY TO BE CONSTRUED AS THE AUTHOR’S VOICE

– Often has the presence of a character that serves as the “norm” or the standard against which we measure the other characters

Satire and POV

Formal & DirectSatiric voice speaks in first person

Informal & IndirectCharacters themselves reveal their folly &

ridiculousness through their own actions, words and thoughts

Three Golden Satire Questions

1. What institutions,, practices,, and/or groups are being satirized?

2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?

3. What is the tone of the satire?

Three Golden Satire Questions

1. What institutions, practices, and/or groups are being satirized?2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?3. What is the tone of the satire?

Three Golden Satire Questions

1. What institutions, practices, and/or groups are being satirized?2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?3. What is the tone of the satire?

Three Golden Satire Questions

1. What institutions, practices, and/or groups are being satirized?2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire?3. What is the tone of the satire?

What Have You Learned?

1. Satire appears only in fictional writings.

a. true b. false

2. Satires are usually NOT aimed at _________________.

a. a particular person

b. an animal

c. society

3. The primary goal of a satire is to _______________________.

a. make people laugh

b. celebrate human achievements

c. bring about social reform

What Have You Learned?

1. Satire appears only in fictional writings.

a. true b. false

2. Satires are usually NOT aimed at _________________.

a. a particular person

b. an animal

c. society

3. The primary goal of a satire is to _______________________.

a. make people laugh

b. celebrate human achievements

c. bring about social reform

Homework

Part A – Find two examples of satire & answer the three golden rule questions for each.

Part B – Create two (original) examples of a satire & answer the three golden rule questions for each.