Characteristics of Satire
This type of satire uses exaggeration to achieve an effect.
Hyperbole
"I'm not saying that I hate Mondays, but I’m pretty sure even coffee cries when the alarm goes off."
Sarcasm
The Simpsons frequently mocks American culture and politics.
Parody or Satire
In To His Coy Mistress, Andrew Marvell writes, "The grave's a fine and private place, / But none, I think, do there embrace."
Litotes
Gentle, playful satire that pokes fun at human nature.
Horatian
This term refers to an intentional imitation meant to mock a work or author.
Parody
The DMV is so efficient—just got my license renewed in only five short hours!
Irony
Shrek’s portrayal of Prince Charming as an arrogant, shallow villain.
Caricature
Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn criticizes Southern racism.
Ridicule
Dark, bitter satire that attacks political corruption.
Juvenalian
A form of satire that uses derisive language to attack or criticize something
Invective
"Mark Twain once said, ‘I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it."
Wit
A news show that ridicules politicians through exaggerated analysis and clips.
The Daily Show – Ridicule
Gulliver’s Travels mocks human nature and political systems.
Menippean Satire
This type of satire frequently includes a mix of fantasy, allegory, or philosophical debate to critique broad ideas rather than individuals.
Menippean
This type of satire involves subtle wit and wordplay, often humorous but not necessarily mean-spirited.
Wit
"In Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the Black Knight says ‘It's just a flesh wound’ after losing his limbs."
Litotes
The film Spaceballs mocks the sci-fi genre, particularly Star Wars.
Parody
Jonathan Swift's essay A Modest Proposal suggests eating children to solve poverty.
Juvenalian Satire
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley satirizes a future society obsessed with pleasure and consumerism.
Menippean
This satire type exaggerates an individual’s features or traits to appear ridiculous.
Caricature
"I love democracy so much that I think we should let corporations vote too!"
Ridicule
The character Michael Scott in The Office frequently misunderstands sarcasm, making situations worse.
Irony
This satirical novel by George Orwell warns of government overreach and surveillance.
1984 – Juvenalian Satire
A Modest Proposal’s shocking solution to poverty.
Juvenalian