English IV 8.29

​Definition

An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.

Definition

Satire is a type of wit that is meant to mock human vices or mistakes, often through hyperbole, understatement, sarcasm, and irony.

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Nowadays, satirists most commonly use this form of humor to expose political missteps or social inadequacies in everyday life, sometimes with the goal of inspiring change.​

Sketch shows like Saturday Night Live have a long tradition of poking fun at elected officials, often overexaggerating their faults (especially self-righteous faults) through the use of humor.

Sketch Comedy

Political cartoons usually offer biting political satire with a drawing that overexaggerates the actions of an elected official or any newsworthy figure, depicting a situation to make a cutting commentary.

​Political Cartoons

Situational irony occurs when there is a difference between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. For example, a fire station burning down is a case of situational irony.

Situational Irony

Verbal irony is when a character says something that is different from what they really mean or how they really feel. If the intent of the irony is to mock, it is known as sarcasm.

Verbal Irony

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more than the characters. The characters’ actions have a different meaning for them than they do for the audience, which creates tension and suspense.

• Exaggeration: To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen.

• Incongruity: To present things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to its surroundings.

• Reversal: To present the opposite of the normal order (e.g., the order of events, hierarchical order).

• Parody: To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing.

Spend a minute observing and analyzing this satirical cartoon. You will answer the following 5 questions based on this cartoon.

• You will be analyzing pieces of parodies and satires throughout the week.

• You will be creating a parody at the end of the week!

• Before you leave, you'll work in your small groups on an example of either satire or parody.