Satire
Dec 24, 2015
Satire
Satire
A literary technique in which an aspect of culture, human nature, or society is analyzed and criticized or even ridiculed. At its best, it is a vehicle for change; at its worst it is meaningless or insulting.
Satire is…
Created by word choice and situation, but depends entirely on the background knowledge of the audience.
Satire is not…
It is not sarcasm, which depends on the vocal tone and inflection of the speaker contrasting perceived reality.
Satiric Directives Irony- The tension created by the discrepancy
between reality and expectation Hyperbole/Understatement- Gross
exaggeration or negligence toward a significant issue
Parody & Imitation- A skewed reflection of reality
Generalization- Assuming commonalities between people regardless of individual differences
Incongruity/Anachronism- Placing something where it does not fit in place or time
Reversion/Inversion- Reversal of normal order, place, procedure, or age. Turning the inside, out.
Modern Satire in Magazines and Newspapers
New Yorker/Esquire ComicsSpyNational LampoonDoonesburyDilbertCathyThe Far Side
Dave Barry: excellent columnist and satirist
Modern Satire on the Internet/ “TV News”
Theonion.comRubberfaces.comSportspickle.comAdbusters.org/spoofads.com
The Daily Show with Jon StewartThe Colbert Report
Satire on T.V. Shows
The SimpsonsThe OfficeOutsourcedSaturday Night LiveConan O’Brian, David Letterman, Jay Leno,
George Lopez, et alShows have even been known to satirize
other shows, even on the same network: Arrested Development
Critique of The O.C. Scrubs
Critique of E.R.
Satire in Political Cartoons
http://www.newyorker.com/online/covers/slideshow_blittcovers#slide=1
Satire Questions
1. What aspects of life/culture/ personality are being satirized?
2. What satiric directives are present and how is each shown? (Irony, Hyperbole/Understatement, Parody & Imitation, Generalization, Incongruity/Anachronism, Inversion/Reversion)
3. Are there enough satiric directives that the meaning of the satire is clear? Does it just cause confusion or insult? Explain.
4. What affect or reaction is desired by the author or creators?
Apply your satire questions to this picture.
The Onion: “Girl Moved to Tears…”
“Girl Moved To Tears By 'Of Mice And Men' Cliffs Notes “
http://www.theonion.com/articles/girl-moved-to-tears-by-of-mice-and-men-cliffs-note,2029/