Satire Essay - 1434 Words

Satire is a great tool used by many writers and actors since ancient times. The earliest example that we know about is a script from 2nd millennium BC in Ancient Egypt (Definition: Satire) and since then has evolved into a great part of our society. Satire is used to point out the faults of human vice in order for change and reform in either of two ways. There is a very bitter Juvenalian or a mild and light Horatian. In order to fully understand these forms of satire, method, purpose, and applications will be addressed. The best ways to present satire is either through incongruity, parody, reversals, or exaggeration. When a writer presents incongruity, there are elements that are out of place, and they shouldn’t be there. This not†¦show more content†¦For this reason, satire offends very few people, but still inspires that important change. Whatever form satire takes is how this will be accomplished. If it is Juvenalian, it is done with indignation and harshness. This tone is somewhat dark and makes inspires change though a form of resentment. This is usually more successful than the other because anger causes action. The other form is Horatian, and is the amused and witty form of satire. It is presented as mockery, but never to insult or offend anyone. This is just to show the faults of something and make people realize why they are wrong. Both encourage change, and both are important. Arguably, one of the most successful Juvenalian satires ever written is â€Å"A Modest Proposal† by Jonathan Swift. Swift satirizes many things in the essay, with the most prevalent being the way that England treats Ireland. Many of the inhabitants living there were poverty stricken and starving to death. Swift then presents his plan to sell the children for food and that way they could earn a little bit of cash. He says, â€Å"I have been assured by a very knowing American †¦ that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food† (Jonathan Swift). This is a very strong incongruity because eating babies isn’t somethingShow MoreRelatedSatire : Satire And Satire1498 Words   |  6 Pagesmost likely expresses itself in satire. Satire, as defined by Google is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary p olitics and other topical issues. It seems to be especially prevalent in the current climate of America, from South Park to the Onion one never has to go far to get entertaining commentary on the social or political happenings of the day. Satire is not a new literary device andRead More Satire2542 Words   |  11 Pagesâ€Å"Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own† (Swift). 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[1] Furthermore, the sub-genre of satire has become an underlying part ofRead MoreSatire : Humor And Satire2675 Words   |  11 PagesHumour and satire are two concepts that are both wide ranging and diverse, from dark, to light hearted, with each producing a different effect. Humour in the main, is something that is used to please the audience, its function is to invoke laughter amongst its audience. Satire is used to create a comical critical view of the subject at hand, this can range from a light hearted comical way, to a judgemental way, with each style giving the text a different meaning, however this does not mean that satireRead MoreSatire As A Popular Form Of Satire1251 Words   |  6 PagesWhen one types satire in their search bar, the definition found is, â€Å"Satire is defined as the use of the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.† Political satire is a very popular form of satire, it’s used as a way to gain entertainment from politics, a way to voice opinions in a comedic biting style, and to further arguments in a way that others can’t. PoliticalRead More SATIRE ESSAY1116 Words   |  5 PagesSATIRE ESSAY Good evening and welcome to another edition of the BBC satire documentary series. 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