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/