essay on satire in english literature

Satire Definition

What is satire? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of satire, but satirists can take aim at other targets as well—from societal conventions to government policies. Satire is an entertaining form of social commentary, and it occurs in many forms: there are satirical novels, poems, and essays, as well as satirical films, shows, and cartoons. Alec Baldwin's impersonation of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live is an example of satire.

Some additional key details about satire:

• Satire is a bit unusual as a literary term because it can be used to describe both a literary device and the specific genre of literature that makes use of the device. Just like a comedy is comedic because it uses comedy, a satire is satirical because it uses satire. For most of this entry, the word "satire" will be used refer to the device, not the genre.
• Satire often coincides with the use of other literary devices, such as irony , malapropism , overstatement , understatement , juxtaposition , or parody .
• Though most satires seek to draw laughter, there are many unfunny or even dark examples of satire, such as George Orwell's Animal Farm or Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho , which criticize communist societies and capitalist societies, respectively.

How to Pronounce Satire

Here's how to pronounce satire: sa -tire

Satire as Literary Device vs. Satire as Genre

There are many novels, plays, and other works of literature that fall into the genre of satire. These works are all characterized by their consistent and sustained satirical attacks on their various targets. For instance, Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn satirizes the hypocrisies of pre-Civil-War society in the American South, especially its traditions of racism and slavery.

But satire is not only found in literature that falls into the broader genre of satire. To the contrary, satire is a device that can be used in many types of writing and art. For instance, a 2017 production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in New York City came under criticism for costuming Caesar (who gets assassinated in the play) in a business suit and bright red tie that closely resembled the standard garb of President Donald Trump. While the play Julius Caesar is not itself a satire, this costuming decision added an element of satire to the play, since it equated the despotic almost-Roman-emperor with an American president whom some have criticized as having tyrannical impulses of his own.

Satire and Humor

Satirists use humor not only to to ridicule their subjects, but also to gain the attention and trust of their readers. While readers might not always respond to a highly-conceptual, nuanced argument for change laid out in a dense manifesto or academic essay, they can easily and enjoyably recognize societal problems targeted by satirical writing. Some scholars have argued that the popular appeal of satire helps in bringing about actual social reform, since the use of humor makes it easier to disseminate political and societal critiques more widely.

However, humor is not a required element of satire. George Orwell's Animal Farm is one of the more famous satires ever written, but few people find humor in it—and in fact, many people find it to be a deeply unsettling and not-at-all funny book.

Types of Satire

Traditionally, scholars have divided satire into two main categories: Horatian and Juvenalian satire. These labels are derived from the names of the renowned Roman satirists Horace and Juvenal, who originated each type. A third, less common type of satire is Menippean satire, named after Menippus, the Greek cynic and satirist. These labels are more of a classical framework for literary critics rather than a strict set of guidelines that all modern satires must follow, but they are worth reviewing because they can help make clear the wide variety of forms that satire can take.

• Alexander Pope's poem The Rape of the Lock is an example of Horatian satire that gently mocks the English upper class for its vanity and dim-wittedness.
• George Orwell's Animal Farm is a Juvenalian satire that isn't particularly funny. It ridicules communist governments for their total lack of equality.
• Though Alec Baldwin's portrayal of President Trump on Saturday Night Live can have its lighter moments, the bulk of his satire pointedly criticizes Trump, perhaps with the intent of shaming the president into altering his course or of mobilizing citizens to work against Trump's goals and policies.
• Menippean satire is less common than Juvenalian or Horatian satire, though it's the oldest type of satire. Menippean satires target mindsets or worldviews instead of targeting specific people. There is considerable overlap between Horatian and Menippean satire, since both often target people's stupidity or vices rather than targeting specific people, though the tone of Menippean satire is often harsher, like Juvenalian satire.

Literary Devices Used in Satire

Satire often depends on other literary devices to help it achieve its effect. Below is a list of some of the most common devices that satirists employ when mocking their subjects. Keep in mind that these devices are not specific types of satire—they're just devices that are commonly used as a part of satire (the device), or in satire (the genre).

• Verbal irony refers to the use of words to express something other than their literal meaning. This type of irony depends on a disconnect between what is said and what is meant or what is true—so satirists often use irony to suggest that a speaker is too much of a fool to understand a situation or, worse, a liar. Imagine if a public official told a group of citizens, "There's nothing to worry about!" right after a dam had broken before their very eyes. This would make for an effective satire of a government's careless response to a natural disaster.
• An anachronism is a person or thing that belongs to a time period other than the one during which a piece of writing is set. Satirists might use anachronism to demonstrate how out of touch a subject is with his or her society. For example, if the same public official in the example above told a 21st-century crowd not to worry because steamboats would come to rescue them, readers would understand that the implication was that officials were either too incompetent or too clueless to resolve the problem.
• Parody is the imitation of a literary style for humorous effect. Satirical authors use parody to attack literary conventions and traditional forms of rhetoric, often by exaggerating the key characteristics of the genre until they seem ridiculous or nonsensical. For example, in the prologue to Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel, Don Quixote , Cervantes satirizes the pompous literary conventions in his contemporary Spain by creating his own over-the-top imitations of the elaborate poems that other authors commonly cited in the prologues to their works. Other writers of the time cited such poems to impress readers and project a sense of authority, but Cervantes' parodies make clear that those other writers are merely pretentious and ridiculous.
• Understatement is downplaying something's size, significance, or quality. This device is useful to satirists because, like irony, it can often be used to portray a speaker as deceptive or foolish. If a politician understates the severity of his or her actions (e.g., "I don't think starting a war we couldn't win was the best decision"), it underscores just how ineffective and uncritical someone in a position of power can be.
• Overstatement is the exaggeration of something's size, significance, or quality. This device can also be used to underscore a speaker's shaky grasp on the reality of any given situation. A politician might overstate the extent of his or her achievements ("This was the best bill ever passed"), so satirists use the device to expose the disconnect between what someone says and the reality of the situation.
• Juxtaposition is a literary device in which an author places two things next to each other to highlight the contrast between them. In satirical writing, juxtaposition is especially effective when the combination is unexpected. For example, Seth Grahame-Smith's popular parody novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, inserts zombies into the genteel world of Jane Austen's 19th-century England. Grahame-Smith could be said to be using juxtaposition to satirize either the propriety of Bennet's society, the ubiquity of zombies in American popular culture, or both.
• Malapropism is the humorous and usually unintentional use of a word in the place of a similar-sounding one. Because these speech errors have the potential to be embarrassing, satirists may portray people as fools by giving them malapropistic lines.

Satire Examples

You can find examples of satire in most art forms, because artists who are critical of their societies may wish to bring about reform or simply to entertain their audiences by mocking familiar people or institutions.

Satire in Literature

There has been a long tradition of satirical novels that criticize and poke fun at all aspects of both society and humanity more generally.

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels

In this example from Chapter Four of Gulliver's Travels , Swift satirizes the historically troubled relationship between Catholics and Protestants in England, recreating the conflict as a battle over the correct way to eat eggs:

It began upon the following Occasion. It is allowed on all Hands, that the primitive way of breaking Eggs, before we eat them, was upon the larger End: But his present Majesty's Grand-father, while he was a Boy, going to eat an Egg, and breaking it according to the ancient Practice, happened to cut one of his Fingers. Whereupon the Emperor his Father published an Edict, commanding all his Subjects, upon great Penaltys, to break the smaller End of their Eggs. The People so highly resented this Law, that our Histories tell us there have been six Rebellions raised on that accoun t; wherein one Emperor lost his Life, and another his Crown. These civil Commotions were constantly fomented by the Monarchs of Blefuscu; and when they were quelled, the Exiles always fled for Refuge to that Empire . It is computed, that eleven thousand Persons have, at several times, suffered Death, rather than submit to break their Eggs at the smaller End.

While the battle between the two types of egg-eaters is clearly ridiculous—those who fight in it would rather die than eat their eggs "incorrectly"—Swift here is actually taking a jab at the religious quarrels that have played a major role in English politics for hundreds of years by recasting these disputes as frivolous and arbitrary. Swift makes it clear that he's satirizing religious conflicts in England with an allusion to the religious revolts that claimed the life of King Charles I in 1625 and caused his heir, James II, to flee to France. By juxtaposing the king's dramatic escape with the trivial law that led to it, Swift is mocking the seriousness of the ongoing feud.

Satire in Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock

In the Third Canto of The Rape of the Lock , Pope satirizes the vanity of his fellow Englishmen, describing a minor incident (in which a woman loses a lock of hair) as an epic event.

Sudden he view'd, in spite of all her art, An earthly lover lurking at her heart. Amazed, confused, he found his power expired, Resign'd to fate , and with a sigh retired. The peer now spreads the glittering forfex wide, To enclose the lock; now joins it, to divide. E'en then, before the fatal engine closed, A wretched Sylph too fondly interposed; Fate urged the shears , and cut the Sylph in twain (But airy substance soon unites again), The meeting points the sacred hair dissever From the fair head, for ever, and for ever!

Here Pope alludes to a real-life episode in which Robert Petre stole a lock of hair from his love interest, Arabella Fermor. Pope satirizes the minor event by inflating its importance to epic proportions: he makes reference to Sylphs, which are mythological creatures who intervene in moments of crisis. Additionally, Pope overstates the male lover's frustration and the extent to which Fate played a role in the incident (the minor theft of a single curl). The repetition of "for ever" in the final line only heightens the humor of the situation: the hair will obviously grow back in a short amount of time. These lines are gentle jabs at his peers' fixation on appearances.

Additional Works of Satire in Literature

Some additional famous satirical works of literature, and their targets, are:

• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Pre-civil-war Southern society, in particular its racism)
• American Psycho (Consumer capitalist American society of the 1980s)
• Animal Farm (Communist in general and the Soviet Union in particular)
• Arms and the Man (Romantic ideals, particularly about love and war)
• Candide (Every powerful institution, from the Church to the military, of 18th century Europe)
• Catch-22 (The U.S. military)
• Don Quixote (Among many other things, fictional books about chivalrous heroes that were popular when Cervantes wrote Don Quixote )
• Gulliver's Travels (English society, and humans in general)
• A Modest Proposal (English society, particularly in its dealings with Ireland, which at the time was under English control)

Satire in Film and Television

Satire is popular on television, especially on late-night talk shows like Saturday Night Live and The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert , where hosts regularly target politicians and celebrities who have been in the news recently. Ssome famous satirical movies and their targets are:

• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (the Cold War, American geopolitics, the military industrial complex, and nuclear proliferation)
• Deadpool (Marvel superheroes, particularly their straight-laced style)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (American capitalists, in particular their lavish lifestyles and prodigious hedonism)
• Happiness (American suburban life, particularly its treatment of sexuality)
• Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (English society, particularly its propriety and religious convictions)
• Zoolander (The fashion industry)
• M*A*S*H (The U.S. Military)

Satire in Political Cartoons

For centuries, cartoonists have used satire to raise awareness of political issues and to belittle people in positions of power. Often, they present extremely unflattering portraits of public figures, with exaggerated facial features and outrageous outfits to emphasize how loathsome they are in the eyes of the artist and readers.

Satire in James Gillray's The Plumb-pudding in Danger

Published in 1805, this cartoon depicts the French emperor and British prime minister battling for bigger portions of a globe-shaped dessert. Gillray satirizes French and British political ambitions by recasting the two leaders' competition for global dominance as a fight at the dinner table. While leaders often present their expansion efforts as being for the good of the nation, Gillray links their desire for new territory to their endless appetite for personal fame and power.

Why Do Writers Choose to Write Satire?

Some authors write satire to raise awareness of social problems and apply pressure on the individuals or institutions responsible for creating them. However, satires don't have to explicitly call for social change—they may just be poking fun at human nature for the sake of entertainment. Writers can use satire for a variety of reasons:

• To bring attention to issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
• To advocate for social reform.
• To provide insight into human weaknesses.
• To amuse readers by bringing powerful figures down a notch.
• To invite readers to reflect on their own weaknesses and shortcomings.
• To mock literary or stylistic conventions.
• To recast strongly-held convictions as harmful and/or meaningless.
• To make light of, or quell anxiety about, unpleasant situations by making them fun.

Other Helpful Satire Resources

• The Wikipedia Page on Satire: A discussion of satire that focuses primarily on the genre's classical origins and role in politics.
• Canyon Crest Academy's List of Satire and Satirical Devices: Though some of the devices aren't fully fleshed out, this is a concise list of the most common literary devices used in satirical writing.
• Culture Trip's List of The 15 Most Influential Political Cartoons of All Time: While Culture Trip doesn't specifically refer to these cartoons as satire, that's what many of these political cartoons are — the cartoons make light of public figures or societal norms.
• List of Satirical Novels: An extensive list of satirical novels from Wikipedia.

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
• Downloads of 1929 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 40,694 quotes across 1929 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play
• Anachronism
• Juxtaposition
• Understatement
• Verbal Irony
• Anadiplosis
• Figurative Language
• Foreshadowing
• Epanalepsis
• Static Character
• Extended Metaphor
• Bildungsroman
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Figure of Speech
• Parallelism
• Deus Ex Machina
• Protagonist
• Round Character
• Dynamic Character
• Characterization

Definition of Satire

Satire is a literary device for the artful ridicule of folly or vice as a means of exposing or correcting it. The subject of satire is generally human frailty, as it manifests in people’s behavior or ideas as well as societal institutions or other creations. Satire utilizes tones of amusement, contempt, scorn, or indignation towards a flawed subject with the hope of creating awareness and subsequent change.

For example, one of the most well-known satirical literary works is  brave new world by Aldous Huxley . In his novel , Huxley satirizes most of the social conventions and institutions considered sacred and held dear by an “enlightened” Western society. This includes religion, monogamy, social equality , and the blessing of childbirth. In the novel, these conventions and institutions are turned upside down such that the characters embrace drug culture, social class separation, casual sex, and governmental control. Huxley satirizes contemporary society in order to expose for the reader its arbitrary and often hypocritical moral structures.

Common Examples of Satire

Many common forms of media, art and entertainment reflect satire, including movies, magazines, newspapers, novels, poetry, short fiction , drama , and even visual art. Satire can be overt or subtle, but it is prevalent throughout history and in popular culture. Here are some common and familiar examples of satire:

• political cartoons–satirize political events and/or politicians
• The Onion –American digital media and newspaper company that satirizes everyday news on an international, national, and local level
• Family Guy –animated series that satirizes American middle-class society and conventions
• The Colbert Report – comedy television series that satirized news and late- night talk show programs
• Alice in Wonderland –novel by Lewis Carroll that satirizes the corrupt political and judicial system of Victorian England
• The Importance of Being Earnest –dramatic satire by Oscar Wilde of love and marriage cultural norms during Victorian Age
• Shrek –movie that satirizes fairy tales
• Fountain – famous urinal artwork by Marcel Duchamp satirizing American avant-garde art
• The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd – poem by Sir Walter Raleigh satirizing pastoral tradition of Christopher Marlowe ’s “ The Passionate Shepherd to his Love ”
• 2BR02B – short story by Kurt Vonnegut satirizing meaning of life, death, and individuality
• Mad Magazine –satirized pop culture and politics
• Deadpool –movie that satirizes super hero genre
• A Modest Proposal (For Preventing The Children Of Poor People From Being A Burthen To Their Parents Or Country, And For Making Them Beneficial To The Publick) – essay by Jonathan Swift satirizing 18th Century England’s legal and economic exploitation of Ireland
• Scream –movie satirizing horror genre
• Mr. Robinson – character played by Eddie Murphy satirizing Mister Rogers and his children’s television program

Examples of Satirical Television Programs

Many television programs are based on satire. They appeal to audiences with their combination of scrutiny, humor , and criticism of politics, popular culture, social conventions, human nature, media, and even television itself. Here are some examples of satirical television programs:

• The Daily Show
• Monty Python’s Flying Circus
• Saturday Night Live
• The Simpsons
• American Dad
• Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
• Married with Children

Famous Examples of Quotes about Satire

One way to get a better understanding of the craft, purpose, and effect of satire is through the words of satirists themselves. Here are some famous quotes about satire:

• Satire is tragedy plus time. You give it enough time, the public, the reviewers will allow you to satirize it. Which is rather ridiculous, when you think about it. (Lenny Bruce)
• Tomorrow is a satire on today, and shows its weakness. (Edward Young)
• Satire is a lesson, parody is a game. (Vladimir Nabokov)
• You can’t debate satire. Either you get it or you don’t. (Michael Moore)
• I only aim at the powerful. When satire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel–it’s vulgar. (Molly Ivins)
• Fools are my theme , let satire be my song. ( Lord Byron )
• I never wanted to do political satire because it seems too surface to me. (Tracey Ullman)
• People say satire is dead. It’s not dead; it’s alive and living in the White House. (Robin Williams)
• Praise undeserved, is satire in disguise. (Alexander Pope)
• Satire is a form of social control, it’s what you do. It’s not personal. It’s a job. (Garry Trudeau)

Difference Between Satire and Parody

For some, it can be difficult to distinguish between satire and parody. Both devices utilize humor to convey meaning and fulfill their purpose. However, there are differences between them–particularly in their intentions. Satire intends to ridicule human and/or societal flaws, discrepancies, and inadequacies as a means of provoking an audience and challenging viewpoints. Parody intends to mimic something familiar to an audience as a means of amusement or invoking humor.

Parody primarily relies on audience recognition of what is being mimicked in order to understand the ridicule of the subject. However, the focus of parody tends to be exaggeration or observation at a surface level such as a well-known leader’s mannerisms or pattern of speech. The motive of parody is to generate laughs rather than any deeper understanding.

The focus of satire is a larger scope. Satire relies on audience recognition of a systemic problem underlying the ridicule and humor. Therefore, though satire does intend to be humorous, the motive is a greater common understanding of humanity and society rather than generating laughter.

Writing Satire

Overall, as a literary device, satire functions as a means of conveying social commentary and/or criticism on the part of a writer through irony , humor, exaggeration, and other methods. This is effective for readers in that satire can create a critical lens through literature with which to look at human behavior, political structures, social institutions, and even cultural traditions.

It’s essential that writers bear in mind that their audience must have an understanding of the source material that is being satirized. Otherwise, the satirical meaning is lost and ineffective. Therefore, it’s best to be aware of the reader’s ability to discern what elements of human nature, history, experience, or culture are being satirized in the literary work.

Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating satire into their work:

Create Awareness and Call to Action in Reader

Since a large purpose of satire in literature is to convey social commentary and/or criticism, this allows a writer to create awareness of issues and disparities in society. Satirical literature calls attention to these issues and can make readers aware of something they had not previously considered or understood. This awareness can then engender a call to action in a reader to condemn, attempt to set right or even think more critically about societal flaws.

Establish Empathy and Reflection for Reader

Many writers consider satire to be a literary device that allows them to hold up a metaphorical mirror to their readers. This allows the reader to experience empathy for the disadvantaged in satirical works, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the reader’s own behavior and/or viewpoint. In other words, if the satire in literature applies to the reader’s behavior or outlook, then they can reflect on their complicity.

Difference between Satire and Sarcasm

Satire aims to create humor and points out the flaws in a system but with a purpose to force the subject to improve or correct their behavior. Sarcasm , on the other hand, is a bitter mockery often with the use of ironic remarks and is intended to taunt people, whether good or bad, instead of having an intended purpose of moral edification like a satire. In other words, satire intends to correct while sarcasm only intends to verbally abuse or mock.

Major Elements of Satire

There are five major elements of a successful satire. It attacks, makes a judgment, plays with words, creates laughter, and desires to motivate reforms. For example, satire attacks by using irony after making a judgment over something. Then it uses words to create laughter so that the person in question could improve himself. These five elements are;

Use of Satire in Sentences

• This prime minister of a certain country is tested positive for fascism because he was stopping people to fight for their rights.
• Like Catch-22 the leaders of many countries condemn the effects of war while sending people to the war they don’t want to fight.
• Did you know that a lady was hitting a man of color while praising people of color? That’s funny.
• Animal farm overthrows their human masters only to be ruled by senseless and greedy pigs.
• To highlight the British treatment of the Irish, Jonathan swift suggested that poor people should be sold as food to rich men. He didn’t mean it but it caused quite a stir among readers who failed to understand that he was merely highlighting their suffering.

Examples of Satire in Literature

Satire is a very effective literary device in its power to portray and reflect social commentary and criticism. Here are some examples of satire and the way it adds to the significance of well-known literary works:

Example 1:  Lysistrata (Aristophanes)

LYSISTRATA: May gentle Love and the sweet Cyprian Queen shower seductive charms on our bosoms and all our person. If only we may stir so amorous a feeling among the men that they stand firm as sticks, we shall indeed deserve the name of peace-makers among the Greeks.

In this Greek comedy, the poet Aristophanes creates a female protagonist , Lysistrata, who convinces her fellow women to withhold all sexual interactions from their male partners as a means of influencing and coercing them into ending the Peloponnesian War. In the play , Aristophanes satirizes the war, yet he also satirizes the complexities of male/female relationships and the implied nature of differences between men and women. Lysistrata’s story has continued to be adapted and interpreted across time, indicating that the comedic themes of the original remain fodder for satire.

Example 2:  A Midsummer Night’s Dream (William Shakespeare)

Ay me! for aught that I could ever read, Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run smooth

This statement by Lysander in the play reflects Shakespeare’s clever use of satire as a literary device. In fact, the basis of this comedic play is a satire about the way humans foolishly perceive and idealize the concept of romantic love. Lysander’s character reflects this irony by indicating that he has never heard of or read a love story that was not troublesome. Therefore, the idea that the characters in the play are consumed with the romantic notion of love is irrational considering there is no foundational example of successful or “smooth” passionate love on which to base their idealization. Shakespeare satirizes this type of love by poking fun at the foolish behavior exhibited by humans in the name of romance and passion.

Example 3:  Unfortunate Coincidence  (Dorothy Parker)

By the time you swear you’re his, Shivering and sighing, And he vows his passion is Infinite, undying – – Lady, make a note of this: One of you is lying.

Dorothy Parker is one of the most well-known and successful satirists. Her poetry often addresses the theme of love with artistic composition, yet she consistently utilizes her talent for humor and satire to ridicule the genre of romantic poetry and the subject of love itself. This is evident in her poem “Unfortunate Coincidence,” in which she sets the scene of two lovers who have declared their eternal love and passion for each other. Rather than celebrating this romance, Parker ridicules it by warning the “Lady” in the poem that either she or her lover is lying.

Parker’s satire of romantic love calls the reader’s attention to the frequent false hope and promises of romantic love, lovers, and even romantic poetry. This allows the reader to appreciate the artistic nature of the love poem , while simultaneously reaching an understanding that the concept of romantic love is not sustainable and a false reality.

Synonyms of Satire

Although as a literary device, it has no direct synonym , as a word, it has several synonyms. Some suitable synonyms of satire are parody, caricature , lampoon , skit, squib, spoof, and burlesque . However, some of them are literary terms and have their own specific purpose and meanings.

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What is Satire? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples

Satire definition.

Satire  (SAH-tie-urr) uses humor and exaggeration to criticize something or someone, typically a public figure, social norm, or government policy. The term can describe both the genre of satirical writing and the literary device of satire, which a writer might utilize in a particular scene or passage of a work that isn’t a wholly satirical piece.

Most satires aim to make the reader laugh at the foolishness and absurdities of human nature, but they also possess an undercurrent of seriousness by shedding light on important social issues or commenting on corruption, hypocrisy, or incompetence. Fictional characters and events in satires are often  allegorical , symbolizing real people or incidents as a way of critiquing behavior or policies.

The word  satire  comes from the Latin  satira , meaning “poetic medley,” which derives from the earlier Latin term  lanx satura , meaning “a full dish of different fruits.”

The Elements of Satire:

Writers frequently use other literary devices to satirize their subjects.

Anachronisms

An anachronism is a thing appearing in a  narrative  that belongs to an era different from the story’s  setting . It can depict how out of touch a satirical character is. Mark Twain’s novel  A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court  is a satire of feudalism and the monarchy, and it chronicles the adventures of a 19th-century man named Hank as he time-travels to the sixth century. Hank regularly manipulates those he encounters with anachronistic items he brings from his own day and time, like fireworks.

A satirist employs  irony  to express something different—and often contradictory—to what is actually happening or being said. For example, Jane Austen opens  Pride and Prejudice  with the line “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” As events unfold, however, virtually none of the wealthy male characters wants to marry, thus adding an element of situational irony to the story.

Juxtaposition

A juxtaposition places two things side by side to show similarities and differences. Satiric juxtaposition occurs in Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel  Moonraker . Bond comes across a Shell Gas billboard that’s blinking the message “SUMMER SHELL is HERE.” From where Bond stands, however, tree branches obscure parts of the sign, and all he can see is “HELL is HERE.”

Overstatement

An overstatement exaggerates the significance of something, usually to illustrate a character’s tenuous understanding of reality. Humorist Dave Barry uses overstatement in his essay “Revenge of the Pork Person” to show how some men have an inflated sense of their own attractiveness:

A man can have a belly you could house commercial aircraft in and a grand total of eight greasy strands of hair, which he grows real long and combs across the top of his head so that he looks, when viewed from above, like an egg in the grasp of a giant spider, plus this man can have B.O. to the point where he interferes with radio transmissions, and he will still be convinced that, in terms of attractiveness, he is borderline Don Johnsons.

Parody in satire imitates another literary style for comedic purposes, resulting in an exaggeration of storytelling technique. Satire and parody are often confused for one another, but parodies are generally more direct, have a lighter tone without serious undercurrents, and mimic the voice of their targets. For example, Seth Grahame-Smith’s  Pride and Prejudice and Zombies  mimics Jane Austen’s literary style to satirically mash up a romantic novel of manners and a zombie thriller. Consider the opening line of the book, a direct parody of Austen’s opening  Pride and Prejudice  line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.”

Understatement

An understatement is the opposite of an overstatement. It minimizes the significance of something to portray a character’s cluelessness or disconnect from reality. J.D. Salinger’s  The Catcher in the Rye  contains many satiric elements, including understatement. At one point in the story, Holden Caulfield says, “I have to have this operation. It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.”

The Types of Satire

There are three primary types of satire: Menippean, Horatian, and Juvenalian.

Menippean Satire

The oldest type of satire, Menippean is also one of the least common. It gets its name from Ancient Greek polemicist Menippus, who pioneered a sort of indirect satire. This approach satirizes opinions and attitudes rather than people or institutions. Still, Menippean satires can be biting and harsh in their criticism.

Jonathan Swift’s  Gulliver’s Travels  is a classic Menippean satire, chronicling the travels of an everyman character placed in increasingly unusual situations. These situations target human nature and various aspects of 18th-century life, including economics, politics, science, and society—but not specific individuals.

Horatian Satire

Horatian satire is a much lighter type, inspired by the works of ancient Roman poet Horace. A Horatian satirist is generally more interested in eliciting laughs rather than making bold commentary or stinging criticism. This humor is achieved by targeting flaws and weaknesses common in humanity.

The Devil’s Dictionary  by Ambrose Bierce is a Horatian satire presented as a lexicon of alternative definitions to everyday words. These definitions underscore the foibles and absurdities of human nature. For example, Bierce defines  love  as “a temporary insanity curable by marriage.”

Juvenalian Satire

Named for the Roman poet Juvenal, Juvenalian satire leans toward the dark side rather than the overtly humorous. It takes aim at public figures, institutions, and social norms, often with pronounced sting.

Chuck Palahniuk’s  Fight Club  is a contemporary Juvenalian satire, set in an underground club where members savagely fight one another as a form of venting their frustrations in a misguided idea of therapy. It is a scathing indictment of toxic gender roles and consumer culture.

The Function of Satire

Satire is meant to critique people, power, and society in an entertaining way. Satirists set out to expose the flaws in current systems or ways of thinking in hopes of informing, educating, and improving humanity. Humor is a central component of many satires, but comedy is not the sole purpose of the satire. It’s simply a tool through which the writer can express their criticisms in ways that readers can appreciate. A satirist may make readers laugh, but they also want to make them think. Depending on the subject, the author may set out to change minds, reveal corruption, or illuminate little-known injustices in a society.

Satire and Other Devices of Critique

Satire vs. Sarcasm

Both satire and  sarcasm  contain some form of critique and, often, humor, but that’s where their similarities end. Sarcasm uses insincere language to criticize someone or something, while satire uses exaggeration to expose flaws or inequities. That exaggeration often has some truth to it, while sarcasm’s insincerity comes from a place of intentional deceit. The result is that sarcasm tends to be taunting and mean-spirited rather than constructive.

A satirical writer might include sarcastic elements in their writing, but this usually isn’t the tone of the entire work. A long sarcastic screed wouldn’t be entertaining to read, as it would come off as sharp and hurtful with little helpful commentary.

Satire vs. Parody

The line between these terms is a bit murkier. The goal of a parody is, first and foremost, entertainment. It imitates the writing style of another work for comedic effect, typically by applying the style to a ridiculous or opposing subject. These elements separate it from satire, which doesn’t encompass any specific type of writing style. Additionally, because satire is meant to say something meaningful about its subjects and what they represent, it makes the satirist’s goal somewhat larger than that of the parodist.

Goodnight iPad  by Ann Droyd—a bit of word play in the author pseudonym—is a parody of the classic children’s book  Goodnight Moon  by Margaret Wise Brown. Written in the same simple language but going through all the different technologies holding people’s attention,  Goodnight iPad  is a silly sendup of Brown’s story.

Compare that to, say, Lewis Carroll’s  Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland , a Menippean satire written in its own style that follows a girl down a rabbit hole and the oddball characters she encounters on the other side. Rather than spoof another story or style,  Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland  is an original tale that gently ridicules upper-class intellectualism—albeit it through zany anthropomorphic characters.

Satire in Popular Culture

Many pop culture touchstones feature abundant use of satire. The sketch comedy series  Saturday Night Live  is perhaps the most instantly recognizable. Since its inception in 1975, the series has often satirized people in positions of power, human idiosyncrasies, social trends, and political issues. Similarly,  The Simpsons  is an animated satire of the typical American family, and episodes have satirized everything from politics and religion to pop culture and consumerism.

Satirical films include  Blazing Saddles , which mocks the western genre;  Zoolander , which targets the fashion industry; and  Borat , which lampoons American exceptionalism.

Satire and Freedom of Speech

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights protects satire as a form of free speech. However, other legal issues can come into play with the device and genre, such as copyright infringement, slander or libel, and emotional distress. The subject of the satiric work, if said work is clearly reminiscent of a real person, might sue the author for any one of these perceived infractions. The law, though, often comes down on the side of free speech.

For instance, author Alice Randall wrote a 2001 satire of Margaret Mitchell’s  Gone with the Wind  called  The Wind Done Gone . The storyline critiqued and reimagined Mitchell’s offensive depictions of African Americans in her Reconstructionist-era classic, and the Mitchell estate sued Randall. While the two parties eventually settled the case, a court found that Randall didn’t violate any existing copyright laws and that fair use policies protected  The Wind Done Gone .

Satire itself is a form of criticism, but it is frequently the  subject  of criticism. People don’t like to have their weaknesses amplified and exposed, and this is one of the biggest objectives of any good satire. Satirical writers and performers often find themselves the targets of disparagement or dismissal by those they are satirizing.

Notable Satirists

• Djuna Barnes,  Ladies Almanack
• Ray Bradbury,  Fahrenheit 451
• Miguel de Cervantes,  Don Quixote
• Mary Dunn,  The World of Lady Addle
• Bret Easton Ellis,  American Psycho
• Joseph Heller,  Catch-22
• Fran Lebowitz,  Metropolitan Life ,  Social Studies
• George Orwell,  Animal Farm
• Dorothy Parker, “Résumé,” “Comment,” “A Telephone Call”
• Alexander Pope,  “The Rape of the Lock”
• Alice Randall,  The Wind Done Gone
• Jonathan Swift,  Gulliver’s Travels
• Mark Twain,  Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ,  A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court
• Voltaire,  Candide

Examples of Satire in Literature

1. Dorothy Parker, “A Telephone Call”

Parker’s short story is a satirical take on love and dating. It reads as an urgent plea, with the narrator, presumably a young woman, revealing her insecurities as she begs God for her boyfriend to call her. Her boyfriend said he would call at 5:00, but it’s now 7:10 and she hasn’t heard from him. Sitting, starting at the phone, the narrator slowly goes into panic mode and reviews virtually every second of her last encounter with her boyfriend, trying to see if she missed some sign or indicator that he was no longer interested in her. She vacillates between declaring her love for him and never wanting to see him again, but by the end, she’s bargaining with God to make her boyfriend call her.

2. Joseph Heller,  Catch-22

Catch-22  takes place during World War II and charts the exploits of American antihero Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in the Air Force. Feeling allegiance to neither nation nor principles, Yossarian spends much of the war angry that his life is constantly in danger. He fakes multiple illnesses to try to avoid battle, and the memory of a dead fellow soldier, Snowden, haunts him. Situations, ranging from the heartbreaking to the ludicrous, challenge Yossarian at every turn until he finally refuses to fly any further missions. The novel satirizes war, religion, bureaucracy, idealism, human suffering, and wartime politics.

3. Bret Easton Ellis,  American Psycho

Ellis’s novel is set in 1980s New York City, where investment banker Patrick Bateman lives a secret life as a serial killer. He moves seamlessly between the daily routine of work, nightclubbing, snorting cocaine, spending time with his fiancée, and committing murders in the dark of night. Bateman’s grip on reality erodes as the story progresses, but he ultimately takes no responsibility for the killings, is never held accountable, and ends up back with his friends in a Manhattan nightclub. Through Bateman, Ellis satirizes yuppie culture, Wall Street ruthlessness, and ‘80s-era excess.

Further Resources on Satire

Since 1925,  The New Yorker  has featured satire by some of the world’s preeminent writers.

The Onion  isn’t as highbrow as  The New Yorker , but its raucous humor illuminates important social and political issues.

Thanet Writers delves deeper into  the three types of satire .

What are  the limits of satire ?  The New York Review of Books  explores the answer.

Goodreads has a comprehensive list of  popular satires .

Related Terms

• Non Sequitur
• Perspective
• Point of View

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What is Satire? || Definition & Examples

"what is satire" a guide for english students and teachers.

View the full series: The Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms

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What is Satire? Transcript (English and Spanish Subtitles Available in Video; Click Here for Spanish Transcript)

By Evan Gottlieb , Oregon State University Professor of British Literature

16 August 2019

Satire is the art of making someone or something look ridiculous, raising laughter in order to embarrass, humble, or discredit its targets.

As a literary genre , satire is one of the oldest: the term was coined by the classical rhetorician Quintillian, who used the root of the Latin word “satura,” which means “full,” and was familiar to many Romans from the phrase lanx satura , which described a medley of fruits – and apparently conveyed the miscellaneous quality of early satire.

Eventually, more specific kinds of satire became associated with the works of three different Roman authors, whose names are still invoked to describe the varieties of satire they established.

Horatian satire tends to be good-natured and light-hearted, looking to raise laughter to encourage moral improvement. A famous example of Horatian satire is the eighteenth-century poet Alexander Pope’s poem The Rape of the Lock , which, despite its serious-sounding name, was an attempt bring back together two real-life feuding families by humorously exaggerating the severity of the cause of their rift.

A contemporary example of Horatian satire, in my opinion, would be many Saturday Night Live skits – especially the ones in which famous actors impersonate famous politicians, thereby raising a laugh at the latter’s expense but usually doing it in a relatively gentle way, in which everyone is on the joke together (including the person being caricatured).

horatian_satire_snl.jpg

Juvenalian satire tends to be more bitter and dark, expressing anger and outrage at the state of the world. A famous example of Juvenalian satire is by another eighteenth-century writer, Jonathan Swift. A Modest Proposal is a prose pamphlet that initially appears to be a serious, well-intentioned attempt to suggest a solution to what was a major problem at the time: the impoverished state of Ireland, due in no small part to absentee English landlords who owned a lot of Irish land but re-invested very little of their profits back into the Irish economy. As the narrator begins to explain his plan to invigorate the Irish economy and make all the poor Irish families “useful” again, however, the reader slowly begins to see that the narrator’s proposal is actually for Irish women to sell their babies to be eaten by their Anglo-Irish landlords. A Modest Proposal is thus an angry denunciation, not just of the rapaciousness of the English landlords and their lack of care for their Irish tenants, but also of the kind of bureaucratic mindset that becomes so enamored with its own problem-solving that it forgets that real humans will be affected by its plans. A modern example of Juvenalian satire would be the parodies of contemporary advertising done by groups like Adbusters, in which they peel away the shiny veneer of advertising to show the heartless greed that lies underneath most corporate capitalism.

juvenalian_satire_adbusters.jpg

Menippean satire is reserved for prose works that still resemble the original connotation of satire as a miscellany, or containing multitudes. A canonical example of the Menippean satire is Laurence Sterne’s novel Tristram Shandy , published in 9 volumes between 1759-1767. While technically the life story of the eponymous narrator, the novel is far less interested in any kind of linear plot than in accumulating incidents, characters, and materials that gently mock and comment on the absurdities of what was then modern life and love. Menippean satires are relatively rare these days, but many so-called postmodern novels, with their encyclopedic range and fondness for esoteric digression, bear more than a passing relation to the form: from Thomas Pynchon’s massive Gravity’s Rainbow to Zadie Smith’s breakout White Teeth.

menippean_satire_tristram_shandy.jpg

Regardless of which type of satire is being deployed, it must take aim at a target that is larger or more powerful than the author. Otherwise, instead of satire we have mere cruelty or bullying. So satire is very context-dependent.

Satire also depends on the audience recognizing it as such: for satire to be effective, it must be received as satire -- there is always the risk that the satire will be read “straight” or superficially. This was the case, for example, with the reception of David Fincher’s 1999 film adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel Fight Club – which satirizes both consumerism and toxic masculinity. Many viewers of the movie apparently didn’t understand that it was a satire, however, since in its wake a number of real-life “fight clubs” sprang up across the country: something that shouldn’t have happened, had audiences fully understood that the film was making fun of the kind of masculinity that’s so desperate to prove itself that it will happily engage in underground, bare-knuckle fighting.

Satire is a powerful weapon when used effectively and appropriately; but its also a risky one, too – which is probably a big reason why it remains so fascinating for authors and audiences alike.

Want to cite this?

MLA Citation: Gottlieb, Evan. "What is Satire?" Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms, 16 Aug. 2019, Oregon State University, https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-satire . Accessed [insert date].

Further Resources for Teachers

Teaching satire is a good way to introduce students to the conventions of a given literary genre. For a brief explanation of that subject, please see our "What is a Genre?" video.

Mark Twain's essay "Advice to Youth" offers many opportunities to explore how satire works. The text pairs well with Seaton Smith's “‘Jivin’ with Your Teen.”

Writing prompts: How would you classify Twain's essay?  Is it Horatian, Juvenalian, Menippean, or some combination of these forms?

Who are the target(s) of Twain's satire? What are some messages of this satire and how are those messages delivered?

Interested in more video lessons? View the full series:

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If there’s any genre of literature designed to make fun of humankind, it’s satire. In both prose and poetry, writers have employed satirical techniques as far back as Ancient Egypt, utilizing the conventions and elements of satire to write about our follies.

Satire writing has become more popular in recent years. This is partially due to the internet: greater access to information has given writers more follies to satirize. It also helps that satirical publications, like The Onion and Reductress , have amplified satires about the modern day.

While headlines like “ Overly Cautious Pregnant Woman Only Going To Ride Roller Coaster 6 Or 7 Times ” seem silly and unsophisticated, there’s actually a fine art to satire that many readers and writers overlook. This article covers the basics of how to write satire: the different types of satire, the various elements of satire, and different satirical techniques essential to the form. Along the way, we’ll analyze those elements and techniques through some satire examples.

But first, what is satire? It’s important to understand both what it is and what it isn’t . Let’s define satire accordingly.

Satire Definition: What is Satire?

Satire is the art of mocking human follies or vices, with the intent of correcting or criticizing those shortcomings of human nature. It is, quite simply, a tasteful means of ridiculing human behaviors, institutions, and politics.

Satire definition: the art of mocking human follies or vices, with the intent of correcting or criticizing those shortcomings of human nature.

Now, satire isn’t just senseless ribbing. Writing about something with sarcasm, irony, or condescension doesn’t make something satirical. Nor does it count if you simply make fun of something: an essay that laughs at arson victims, for example, would just be cruelty.

Rather, satire must criticize a specific action, belief, or institution. It must poke holes in the logic of those actions, beliefs, or institutions, without ever explicitly stating the humor. Finally, it must showcase this flawed logic with the intent of creating awareness and inciting change.

Let’s use an Onion article as an example. Read this brief story: “Mark Zuckerberg Asks Hawaiian Neighbor To Cut Down Unsightly, Overgrown Rainforest”

The title alone makes for a great bit of satire, but let’s break down what the article is doing.

• Realistic fiction: For starters, this never happened—but it sounds like something that would.
• Ironic use of “lack of respect”:   Zuckerberg finds the forest’s presence to be disrespectful, though his request to disrupt the natural land is far more disrespectful.
• Hyperbolic language: Phrases like “unkempt biome” and “obnoxious waterfall” are hyperbolic and unusual, signifying the comedy of the article.
• Scornful Tone: The writer of the article clearly expresses a scornful, satirical tone.
• Subtlety: The article never says “Mark Zuckerberg is a bad person.” But it does quote him as calling native Hawaiians “disgusting nuisances,” using a word play device called “paraprosdokian.”
• Logical extremes: The idea behind this article is that a billionaire is making unreasonable, hurtful demands to satisfy his own comforts. This article takes that idea to a logical extreme.
• Juxtaposition of incongruous features: There’s no HOA for Hawaiian rainforests. The inclusion of this detail satirizes the bureaucracy that wealthy people use to their advantage: if there was a rainforest HOA, it would certainly come to Zuckerberg’s benefit.

We’ll examine these elements of satire more closely in a moment. For now, take note that all of these elements—irony, juxtaposition, hyperbole, etc.—are working together in this short but highly effective article.

Elements of Satire

Whether you’re writing Juvenalian satire or Horatian satire (terms we’ll define in a bit), the following elements are useful to writing satirical works. You’ll notice some of these elements working in both the above article and the satire examples we include later on.

• Realism: A work of satire must sound like it could actually happen in the real world. Now, this isn’t always easy, especially if your essay is about a politician condoning the consumption of newborns. What’s important is that satire does not draw attention to its own farce . The story must ostensibly treat its subject matter seriously, even when it uses literary devices in jest.
• Irony :  Irony is when the opposite of what’s expected actually occurs. It is a contrast between “what seems to be” and “what is,” surprising and provoking the reader. Irony is pivotal to satire, as it allows the story to seem realistic while being hyperbolic, while also amusing the reader or challenging a certain assumption the reader has made.
• Hyperbole: Hyperbole is language that is incommensurate with the thing being described. For example, let’s say you walk outside on a hot July day, and you say “it’s a million degrees outside!” Hyperbolic language often makes for great satire writing. Note that “understatement” is an effective form of hyperbole as well.
• Tone: Tone refers to the author’s attitude towards a certain topic. Because the intent of satire is to criticize or make fun of something, the tone of a satire piece might be ironic, sarcastic, mocking, critical, or simply satirical.
• Subtlety: Satire writers need to strike a fine balance between realism and absurdism. The story should seem possible in the real world, but it should also lean into comedy and farce without explicitly stating the thing that’s being satirized .
• Logical Extremes: A logical extreme is when an idea or argument is amplified to a hyperbolic, but still possible, conclusion. Let’s take the argument “Cats are evil.” A logical extreme of this would be “ Kitten Thinks Of Nothing But Murder All Day .”
• Juxtaposition of Incongruous Features: Juxtaposition refers to the close placement of two related objects in text. In satire, writers will juxtapose incongruous features—items which don’t belong next to each other, but are written about as though they do. An example of this would be “ Geologists Find Historical Record of Last 3 Million Years in Woman’s Makeup Brushes .”

It is important to recognize that satire is all about imitation . The story seems like something that could or has happened in the real world, with only slight adjustments to make the story farcical or hyperbolic. These changes—these juxtapositions, hyperboles, and logical extremes—amount to a subtle, yet evocative, critique of the satire’s subject.

Works of imitation are often satire. Parody, for example, is a satirical imitation of another work of art, literature, or media. Similar to parody is the burlesque, which treats a serious work of art as something caricatured and risible. Slapstick, finally, can be satirical, especially when the characters of a slapstick comedy are public figures that the author views as unintelligent.

Pay attention to these elements at play in the satire examples we share throughout this article.

Satire vs. Parody

Because works of parody are intended to mock, riff, or imitate other works of art, parody is often confused with satire. Although parody can produce satire, there are a few key differences between the two.

Parody is always the comical imitation of a certain style or genre. One example of this is Don Quixote, a novel which parodies the romance novels of 17th century Spain. Another example is Candide . Candide is ostensibly a work of satire, but it uses parodies of the romance and adventure novel—for example, the picaresque and the bildungsroman—to construct this satire.

In media, parody is a huge aspect of Saturday Night Live skits. 1-800-Flowers , for example, is a parody of flower commercials on television.

Satire is much more complex than parody.

Satire is much more complex than parody: for one, it is much subtler than the parody, and for another, it specifically criticizes an idea, argument, or person. Parodies can make fun of certain styles or conventions without attacking a particular person or idea—though a parody can also be critical.

In short, parody is a work of imitative art that can stand on its own, or it can contribute to the development of a work of satire, but it is not the same as satire itself.

Satire vs. Sarcasm

A similar dilemma emerges with satire vs. sarcasm: they seem the same, but one is actually an element of the other.

Sarcasm is the use of ironic language to poke fun at another person’s faults. It is verbal irony with the intent of making fun. Let’s say you drop your phone and the screen cracks. Your sarcastic friend (or enemy!) might say “That was so graceful,” implying that what you did was the opposite of graceful.

Sarcasm, thus, is one of the elements of satire. A work of satire might have a sarcastic tone, employ sarcastic description, or rely heavily on inverted language.

People often employ the adjectives “satirical” and “sarcastic” as if they’re synonyms. They are, but they mean slightly different things. “Sarcastic” means “using wit and irony to hurt someone,” whereas “satirical” means “using wit and irony to expose or criticize human folly.”

Satire in Poems

Although most satire examples you’ll find are works of prose, you can also find satire in poems. Satirical poetry relies on the same techniques as works of prose do, but because the poem is constrained by poetry form , the poet must be much more discerning about which elements of satire to include in the poem.

Classical poets such as Dryden, Swift, and Shelley employed satire in poems, but let’s look at an example from the modern day: Read “Thank You For Waiting” by Simon Armitage .

The satire is readily apparent in this poem. The format riffs off of the language that airlines use to board their passengers. By taking this language to its logical extreme, the poem effectively satirizes the artificial class divisions perpetuated by airlines, corporations, and other wealthy, capitalist institutions.

What are the two types of satire?

What are the two types of satire? Literary theorists organize works of satire into two categories: Horatian and Juvenalian. These categories come from the names Horace and Juvenal, two poets of Ancient Rome.

Horatian satire is a typically lighthearted work that pokes fun at mankind’s follies. It is not caustic or overly critical. Rather, it laughs at the failings of mankind with a certain amount of sympathy, telling the truth about our imperfections with a smile.

By contrast, Juvenalian satire is much angrier, and is written with the intent of criticizing and condemning a certain person or institution that the satirist views as evil. These pieces of satire usually confront social and political issues.

There exists a third and less frequently discussed form of satire called the Menippean satire. This type satirizes certain ways of thinking, rather than particular individuals or groups. It tends to be a novel-length work that focuses on societal norms, often including philosophical discussions. Named after an Ancient Greek satirist, a contemporary Menippean satire might poke fun at, for example, altered states of consciousness ( Alice in Wonderland ).

The Menippean satire has its own history and genre conventions which are beyond the scope of this article. To learn more about those conventions, start here .

In the meantime, let’s look at some Horatian satire examples and Juvenalian satire examples.

Horatian Satire Examples

The Horatian satire is the most lighthearted form of satire. As such, these works of literature and journalism are intended to make you laugh—but that doesn’t mean a Horatian satire cannot also be thought-provoking.

Here are a few examples from literature:

1. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Gulliver’s Travels is a novel that satirizes the “travelers’ tale,” a subgenre of literature that was especially popular during the ages of exploration. In the novel, Lemuel Gulliver’s travels take him to a land of tiny people (Lilliput), a land of giants (Brobdingnag), a floating island of the arts (Laputa), and a land of talking horses (the Houyhnhnms).

Throughout these travels, Gulliver often compares the societies and governments of the people he meets with that of 18th century Europe. Each land has its own problems, taken to logical extremes. The Houyhnhnms, for example, are honest and upright people who don’t have a word for lying. (Their name is an onomatopoeia for the sounds horses make.) Yet, they’re happy to suppress Gulliver’s status as an outsider to the local humans (the Yahoos), indicating that they believe silence is better than lying.

Additionally, the character Gulliver is rather easily misled and rarely employs critical thinking. As a result, his outlook on humanity becomes more and more depressing as the story progresses, because he becomes aware of the flaws in each of these societies and comes to believe that all men are the same, rather than recognizing the nuances in human civilization and psychology.

As a result, each element of the story is carefully crafted satire. It’s Horatian satire because many of the situations are intended to make readers laugh, such as the Brobdingnag giants crafting a tiny house that they can carry Gulliver around in. Nonetheless, the novel prompts readers to examine the ways they react to different cultures and lived experiences, as well as coming to terms with the fact that there is no ideal government.

2. The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales is noteworthy for a number of reasons, namely that it popularized the use of English vernacular in literature (when, previously, English was seen as a commoner’s language, and literature was written in Latin or French). Partially written in prose and partially written in verse, The Canterbury Tales provides an interesting window into culture and society during the turn of the 15th century.

It is also, when closely examined, a work of satire on the peoples of England.

The Canterbury Tales revolves around a group of pilgrims regaling each other with stories of their lived experiences. Those experiences range widely: characters include a friar, a knight, two nuns, a shipman, a physician, a cook, a pardoner, and many more. Each person’s tale is inevitably informed by their class and social standing. As a result, their stories end up being satires on the lived experiences they represent and, more broadly, satirize elements of medieval society as a whole.

For example, the Nun’s Tale satirizes “courtly love,” a literary genre (and true-to-life representation) of what relationships looked like among the ruling elite. The Nun’s Tale takes place in a barnyard, not in the high courts, which makes a mockery of the acts of chivalry described by the Nun.

The 15th century was a time of great social upheaval for Europe, particularly England, where the emergence of a merchant class and a (non-religious) intellectual class spawned new ideas about the structure of society. The Canterbury Tales capitalizes on these changes by satirizing the societies and psychologies of people in each class.

3. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court is most frequently heralded as one of the first time travel novels. Apart from this, it is also a hilarious Horatian satire on the values of medieval Feudalism.

In the novel, Hank Morgan, an engineer from Connecticut, inadvertently travels to 6th century England after being struck in the head. Hank convinces the people of his “magical powers” by telling them about the future. Doing this, he gains power in King Arthur’s course and tries to bring modernity to the 500s. This results in a satire of the values and institutions in both medieval society and 19th century America.

For example, Merlin creates a veil of invisibility, which Sir Sagramor wears in a duel against Hank. Hank pretends that he can’t actually see Sir Sagramor, satirizing the superstitions about magic, as well as the institution of chivalry, prominent in medieval England.

Through the juxtaposition of incongruous societies, Mark Twain pokes fun at human society 1300 years before Twain’s time, while also demonstrating parallels between people then and now.

For contemporary satirical journalism, The Onion and Reductress are both generally examples of Horatian satire, though both are occasionally Juvenalian.

Juvenalian Satire Examples

While Juvenalian satire can certainly make readers laugh, the intent is to ridicule the actions and philosophies of certain societies and institutions. As such, the following Juvenalian satire examples often bear resemblance to the politics of their times, taking political philosophies to their logical extremes.

1. “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift

“A Modest Proposal” is quintessential Juvenalian satire. Written in 1729, the essay satirizes British policy concerning Ireland, as Britain’s occupation of the Irish state routinely caused famine and strife. The essay was originally published under the title “A Modest Proposal For Preventing the Children of Poor People From Being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For Making Them Beneficial to the Publick.”

The essay’s satire is effective precisely because of its shock value. Swift first describes the plight of Ireland, particularly the suffering of its many beggars and hungry citizens. Then, without warning, Swift’s essay pivots to the nutritional value of eating 1 year old babies (a juxtaposition of incongruous features, and an argument taken to its logical extreme).

Much of the essay is then devoted to the logic behind eating infants: the many ways they can be cooked, the financial benefits, and how it will resolve other issues like murder and taxation. The essay amounts to an argument that is almost convincing. If the reader doesn’t think about the morality of eating children, the satire is almost actually effective in proposing that the consumption of infants is pragmatic policymaking.

Nonetheless, the reader comes to sympathize with the Irish and hate the narrator of the essay, effectively undermining the policymaking decisions of 18th century Britain. Because this essay is criticizing British policymakers and their treatment of the Irish people, there is no doubt that the caustic tone of this piece makes it Juvenalian satire.

You can read “A Modest Proposal” for yourself at Project Gutenberg .

2. Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm is a Juvenalian satire that retells the establishment of the Soviet Union with farm animals in place of political leaders. As such, it adapts the form of the fable into a satirical novella about Trotsky, Lenin, Stalin, and the dramas that unfolded with the overthrow of the Russian monarchy.

Animal Farm begins on an old, dilapidated farm, run by the careless taker Mr. Jones, who represents the monarchy. The pigs band together around the wisdom of Old Major, an elderly pig who represents Lenin, as well as Karl Marx and his teachings. Inspired by the prospect of freedom from Mr. Jones, the animals revolt and claim the farm for themselves.

Much like the beginnings of the Soviet Union, the newly run Animal Farm begins in prosperity. The animals work to modernize the farm and make it self-sustaining, able to nurture all of the animals equally.

Before long, however, some of the farm’s leaders begin to grapple for power. Snowball, who represents Trotsky, tries to maintain the ideals of equality and progress espoused by Old Major (a philosophy called Animalism in the book). Napoleon, who represents Stalin, wants to seize power for himself. To do this, he uses a pig called Squealer, who represents Molotov, the Soviet Union’s head of propaganda. Squealer convinces the farm animals that Snowball is conspiring against the farm, even though it’s really Napoleon who’s conspiring.

The novella then follows how Napoleon abuses the language of progress to satisfy his own needs, hoarding wealth from the farm animals he claims to represent.

What makes this a work of Juvenalian satire? For one, it’s no subtle insult that the leaders of the Soviet Union are represented by pigs. But the work’s satire comes from its farcical resemblance to Europe’s political situation in the first half of the 20th century. Orwell takes Soviet propaganda to its logical extreme, showing how easy it is to manipulate an entire farm (or country!) through the manipulation of words and ideas.

3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Another work of mid-century satire, Brave New World satirizes the ideal utopian society, presenting a world in which everyone is happy and nothing has meaning. In the novel, people are artificially manufactured and born into a certain social class, based on the intelligence and strength they are bestowed upon their manufacturing.

The novel primarily follows Bernard Marx, a high class citizen who starts to question the social structures of the utopia. The society functions in large part due to Soma, a drug that manufactures happiness and is frequently taken by all citizens of the world. Soma allows people to be satisfied with their place in society, so nobody questions the flaws in this apparent utopia—except for Bernard, who doesn’t consume the drug, as well as Bernard’s friend Helmholtz, a writer who struggles to write when he can’t experience his own suffering.

The novel follows Bernard’s reckoning with society, including his witnessing the lives of Native Americans who don’t live in the modern world, and what happens when those Native Americans, who don’t live a manufactured life, find themselves in the manufactured realities of the “utopia.”

What makes this a piece of satire is the extension of social ideals to their logical extremes. For example, the people in Brave New World are sexually liberated, in part because the society has controlled for the possibilities of pregnancy and STIs. When John, a Native, falls in love with Lenina Crowne, he ends up committing suicide because he can’t support her sexual freedom, suggesting there’s a certain loss of humanity that comes from this liberation.

Another example is a satire of contemporary media. Before John commits suicide, he exiles himself to a lighthouse, where he self-flagellates in the hopes of purifying himself of modern civilization. What he doesn’t know is that he is secretly being filmed. When that film is released, all of society zeroes in on John and his strange behavior. This spectacle resembles, in large part, our contemporary lust for information, to the point that we invade each others’ privacy. Huxley wrote this novel far before the advent of social media, but now that we’re constantly filming each other for fame and spectacle, how far off was he?

How to Write Satire

How did the great satirists of history pull off such effective works of literature? In addition to having savage wits and keen eyes for politics, satire writers followed a few strict rules. Here’s how to write a satire in 5 steps.

1. How to Write Satire: Familiarize yourself with satirical techniques

Satire is a difficult genre to pick up, which makes it essential to read like a writer . Read the satire examples we included in this article, and analyze how the following satirical techniques are employed:

• Logical Extremes
• Juxtaposition of Incongruous Features

These elements of satire, when employed strategically, combine to make effective, poignant, and gut-busting stories.

2. How to Write Satire: Begin with a topic or issue you’d like to satirize

Satire can criticize both local issues and global ones. The Canterbury Tales satirizes the stories and personalities prominent in medieval England; conversely, Brave New World criticizes the Western view of utopia and the direction of global society.

Regardless of what issue you choose, do your research. It’s important to understand the arguments for and against a certain issue, and the logic and reasoning behind those arguments. That way, you can take those arguments to their logical extremes, undermining the rhetorical strategies used in favor of the issue you’re against.

For example, let’s say you wanted to write a piece of satire on removing the penny from U.S. circulation. An argument in favor of this is that it could curb inflation. You could then take this argument to its logical extreme. Imagine a country in which we made every coin out of pure gold, and everyone starts fighting with each other for change? Or, imagine a country in which the lowest monetary denomination is the $10 bill, and, again, everyone starts fighting with each other for change?

3. How to Write Satire: Build a narrative

Once you have a topic and a stance on that topic, build a story around the argument you’re trying to undermine.

This is where the art of storytelling , and elements like character, plot, and setting, can prove extremely useful. For example, read this brief Horatian satire from The Onion: ‘ This City. These People. All Sheep, And I Am Their Shepherd,’ Says Eric Adams, Looking Out Over New York .”

NEW YORK—Clasping his hands behind his back and looking out over Manhattan’s iconic skyline, New York mayor Eric Adams was reported to have said, “This city. These people. All sheep, and I am their shepherd,” as he launched into a monologue Wednesday. “I and I alone am the line between order and chaos, guiding toward the light these confused, woeful masses who wander in darkness,” said Adams, who reportedly cast his gaze on the citizens below and contemplated how fortunate they were to have a place in the palm of his merciful hand. “Without me, without my power and my will, each of these 8 million souls would be condemned to a wretched life and death amidst a twisted, seething cesspool of humanity. As they cling to a crumbling precipice, they reach out, in their desperation, to the one man whose whims control their destiny: to me, to their protector, to New York’s greatest benefactor, to Eric Adams!” At press time, sources reported Adam had retired for the night to his apartment in New Jersey.

If you know anything about New Yorkers, you know we always hate the mayor. Let’s deconstruct what this piece is doing:

The issue: At the time of this article’s publication, Adams has been NYC mayor for just over 4 months. In that time, he’s had a formidable media presence, but he often sounds a bit self-aggrandizing when he talks about the city and the role he’s going to play in running it. In a recent video message, he’s quoted saying “I will not stop until the peace we deserve becomes the reality we experience.” The issue is that the mayor might be all words, no action—especially when those words are already overwrought.

The satire : This article amps up the melodrama, taking Adams’ speech to a logical extreme. The parody of his melodrama builds Adams up to be a god-like figure, as he is the difference between “order and chaos,” between “life and death.” He is even “the one man whose whims control [New York City’s] destiny.”

The storytelling: This article makes a sort of caricature of Adams. A caricature is a type of characterization in which the character is one dimensional and distorted for the audience’s pleasure. The story, here, is that Adams went off on a monologue before retiring to his non-NYC apartment, making the story’s structure a satire for his administration: all talk, no action.

4. How to Write Satire: Surprise the reader

All works of satire have an element of surprise. The reader shouldn’t be able to expect where the story goes, otherwise it’s not doing a good job of delighting and provoking the reader. As such, your satire should have a twist, even if that twist doesn’t occur until the final sentence.

Pay attention to the twists in the above satire examples. In “A Modest Proposal,” the twist is the proposal itself: that the solution to Ireland’s poverty is to cook and consume 1 year olds. In The Onion article about Eric Adams, the twist is that he goes home to New Jersey.

The twist should both surprise the reader and advance a certain satirical argument. Whatever you do, be clear about what you’re mocking and criticizing, because this will inform what your twist is and help you stick the landing.

5. How to Write Satire: Edit for clarity and laughs

Can you make your story more ironic, hyperbolic, or realistic? Are you juxtaposing unalike items in clever ways? Is it clear who or what your satire is criticizing? Ask yourself these questions as you edit your piece: the goal is to distort reality just enough that the reader knows this is satire, but to still be hyperbolic and ironic, even if the work is more Juvenalian than Horatian.

Learn How to Write Satire at Writers.com

Ready to laugh at the world? The instructors at Writers.com are eager to help you polish your works of satire. Take a look at our upcoming writing courses , and write satirical stories and books alongside our award-winning instructors .

Sean Glatch

Excellent presentation, Sean. It gave me some structural ideas for a collection of poems and epistles in the vein of Horace and Juvenal. I’ve previously published a parody of Voltaire’s Candide. My story is called: The Alchemy of Happiness. ( which is the title of a book by a Muslim scholar from the 10th century.

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of satire.

Satire is a genre of literature that uses wit for the purpose of social criticism. Satire ridicules problems in society, government, businesses, and individuals in order to bring attention to certain follies, vices, and abuses, as well as to lead to improvements. Irony and sarcasm are often an important aspect of satire. Satirists also often use juxtaposition, analogy, parody, and double entendre to highlight their points.

Different Classifications of Satire

Within the general definition of satire, there are three main classifications of different types of satire. The first two of these are named after ancient Roman satirists—Horace (first century BCE) and Juvenal (late first century BCE to early second century AD)—while the third is named after the ancient Greek parodist Menippus (third century BCE).

• Horatian : Horace playfully mocked the societal norms of his day, and the satire named after him is clever, yet gentle. Rather than attacking evils, Horatian satire ridicules universal human folly so that the reader might identify with what is being critiqued and laugh at him/herself as well as at society.
• Juvenalian : Unlike Horace, Juvenal attacked public officials and governmental organizations through his satires. He regarded their opinions not just as wrong, but instead as evil. Juvenalian satire thus is more contemptuous and abrasive, and uses strong irony and sarcasm. Polarized political satire is often of this nature, and aims to provoke change. Juvenalian satire is not often as humorous.
• Menippean : Menippean satire criticizes mental attitudes rather than societal norms or specific individuals. This type of satire often ridicules single-minded people, such as bigots, misers, braggarts, and so on.

Common Examples of Satire

There are many different ways that people satirize popular culture. Here are some non-literary examples of satire:

• Steven Colbert : Steven Colbert is a popular media figure who has built his career on pretending to be a self-righteous and highly opinionated commentator. His satire is based on parroting popular opinions or government officials’ ideas and taking them to the furthest extent, thereby revealing their hypocrisy.
• The Onion : The Onion is a fake news source that uses contemporary issues and highlights their absurdity. Some of the most popular headlines they’ve published include: “Bush: ‘Our Long National Nightmare Of Peace and Prosperity Is Finally Over,'” “Supreme Court Rules Supreme Court Rules,” and “Clinton Deploys Vowels to Bosnia; Cities of Sjlbvdnzv, Grzny to Be First Recipients.”
• Ig Nobel Prize : The Ig Nobel Prizes are a satirical take on the Nobel Awards. They are a gentle mockery of the kind of scientific studies being done around the world that sound ridiculous to the common observer. Recent recipients of the award have included studies on “Patient Preference for Waxed or Unwaxed Dental Floss,” “training pigeons to discriminate between the paintings of Picasso and those of Monet,” and a discovery that “black holes fulfill all the technical requirements for the location of Hell.”

Significance of Satire in Literature

Satire has been used as social criticism for a very long time, and has been discovered in many different ancient cultures, from Ancient Egypt to Ancient Greece to the Medieval Islamic world. As now, satire was used to ridicule government officials and reigning popular opinions. Satire has a unique ability to confront public discourse and ridicule leaders into changing their policies. Some consider satire to be the best way to understand a culture, as it provides insights into the collective psyche of a people and show who had power.

Examples of Satire in Literature

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift, one of the leading satirists of his day, wrote Gulliver’s Travels as a satire of human nature and especially an anti-Whig satire. Lemuel Gulliver travels to several different lands, including the famous encounter with the Lilliputians, a society of people only a few inches tall. One example of satire in the book is that some Lilliputian men wear high heels and others wear low heels. The men who wear low heels are in power and will only appoint other men to government who wear low heels. Clearly, government appointments have nothing to do with ability—this is a direct attack on the separation of Whigs and Tories in English culture.

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

As is often the case, the satire in Huckleberry Finn is often misunderstood and misconstrued as Mark Twain’s actual opinions. Twain hated slavery and used Huckleberry Finn to point out the inhumane way that slave-owners treated slaves. While some contend that the book is racist, Twain was strongly against racism. He used the characters of Jim and Miss Watson, Jim’s owner, to highlight the hypocrisy of slavery. Miss Watson is called a “good Christian woman” so that readers may realize that what she purports to stand for is in direct opposition to her actions.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

George Orwell’s satire Animal Farm directly echoes the events of the Russian Revolution. He replaces the Russian people with animals on a farm, with the leading figures of communism represented by pigs. At first these pigs are supportive of equal rights for all animals, but gradually they give themselves all the benefits and exclude the other animals from the rewards of the farm. The men who were expelled at the beginning of the story represent the Tsars; by the end of the story, however, men are back on the farm and the animals outside cannot tell the difference between the pigs and the men. Orwell used this satire example to show that the men who came to power after the Russian Revolution were no more “equal” to the common people than the Tsars before them.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Joseph Heller’s World War II novel Catch-22 is a great example of satire. Joseph Heller had flown bomber missions in WWII, just like his main character Captain John Yossarian, and was tortured by the experience. He found the wartime bureaucracy and logic to be incredibly hypocritical. The most famous example of satire in the book comes from the title, the concept of the Catch 22. This is one of those bureaucratic nightmares in which something can only be done when the thing that precludes it from happening happens. Yossarian eventually discovers that the catch doesn’t even exist, but because everything thinks it does it still has the same effect. And, unfortunately, because it doesn’t exist it can’t be repealed. This is a good metaphor for the entire lack of logic in bureaucracy.

Test Your Knowledge of Satire

1. Choose the best satire definition from these statements:  A. A genre that ridicules individuals and/or society through wit and irony. B. A light-hearted look at minor societal issues. C. An angry rant about all that is wrong with the world. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #1″] Answer: A is the correct answer. While some satires may be light-hearted and others seething with rage, A is the best overall definition.[/spoiler]

2. Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” is one of the most famous satirical essays ever written. In it, he attacks reigning opinions of his day in Ireland about poor people and suggests a barbaric option for “fixing” the poverty issue. Which of the following quotes makes it clear that the essay is satire?

It is a melancholy object to those who walk through this great town or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads, and cabin doors, crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags and importuning every passenger for an alms.

I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.

I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.

[spoiler title=”Answer to Question #2″] Answer: C is the correct answer. This is where Swift shocks the reader by suggesting that rich inhabitants of Ireland eat the children of the poor, so that these children will not become a burden to their parents. Clearly, he does not mean this seriously, yet he does aim to show the ludicrousness of the way poor people were treated and the hypocrisy of some other attempts to “fix” the poverty issue in Ireland.[/spoiler]

3. Which of the satire classifications best fits Jonathan Swift’s essay “A Modest Proposal”? A. Horatian B. Juvenalian C. Menippean [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: B is the correct answer. The satire in his essay is quite abrasive.[/spoiler]

What is Satire? Definition, Examples of Literary Satire

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is Satire? Definition, Examples of Literary Satire

Satire definition: Satire is a literary term and form of rhetoric that uses various devices to expose flaws, critique society, and ridicule politics. Such devices include humor, irony, and exaggeration.

What is Satire?

What does satire mean? Satire is a style of writing that intends to ridicule and point out society’s flaws. This ridicule is often masked in humor.

When using satire, the writer’s intention is to expose what he thinks is a “problem” in society. This “problem” could be popular or political.

The point of satire is not only to expose but also to initiate change. The writer sees a problem and wants it corrected.

Political cartoons provide a writer an avenue to critique society. The cartoonist does this through humor. The cartoon is received well because the audience, whether in support of the cartoonist’s view or not, can laugh at the subject matter. However, the writer intends to point out a particular flaw that he thinks needs to be corrected.

Satire vs. Irony

Irony is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. For example, one does not expect a firehouse to burn down. This incident would be ironic.

Irony is often used in satire to expose flaws. Jonathan Swift’s satirical essay “A Modest Proposal” effectively uses irony to communicate his point. (See below for a more detailed explanation of this text.)

It is ironic that the Irish government could not solve poverty and famine, yet Swift is able to compose a completely viable solution. Swift’s solution itself is also ironic—one would not expect his proposal to include breeding children. In fact, the audience would likely expect anything but that.

Satirists often employ irony to emphasize their point and to show just how egregious the flaws in society can be.

Modern Examples of Satire

Modern satire examples: The Daily Show is a modern example of satire. The concept of the television show is to ridicule current events through humor.

The show is organized to parody nightly news broadcasts. However, the purpose is to deliver news coupled with a particular perspective that exposes society’s flaws. The audience is left laughing at critical issues that, according to the show’s position, should be remedied.

What is the Purpose of Satire?

Humor is a method that allows a writer to speak with impunity. Without humor, a writer would open himself to critique. However, it is through satire and its humor that a writer is able to ridicule without repercussion.

Ultimately, the satirist’s goal is to expose society’s flaws and to inspire change.

How Satire is Used in Literature

Swift’s satiric essay, “ A Modest Proposal ” ironically evaluates solutions to Ireland’s famine. In this essay, Swift exposes the Irish government’s inability to aid its people. As a consequence, Swift suggests a form of human breeding that will allow for economic recovery.

If taken at surface level, Swift’s essay seems inhumane and revolting. However, that is precisely his point. He is ironically suggesting an absurd solution to mock the government’s failures.

Summary: What is a Satire?

Define satire: The definition of satire is,

• a style of writing that intends to ridicule and point out society’s flaws
• humorous or ironic in nature
• intended to inspire and initiate change

Satire Definition

Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society, by using humor , irony , exaggeration , or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which stand for real people, to expose and condemn their corruption.

A writer may point a satire toward a person, a country, or even the entire world. Usually, a satire is a comical piece of writing which makes fun of an individual or a society, to expose its stupidity and shortcomings. In addition, he hopes that those he criticizes will improve their characters by overcoming their weaknesses.

Satire and Irony

Satire and irony are interlinked. Irony is the difference between what is said or done, and what is actually meant. Therefore, writers frequently employ satire to point at the dishonesty and silliness of individuals and society, and criticize them by ridiculing them.

Examples of Satire in Everyday Life

Most political cartoons we see every day in newspapers and magazines are examples of satire. These cartoons criticize some recent actions of political figures in a comical way.

Some shows on television are satire examples, such as The Daily Show , The Colbert Report , and The Larry Sanders Show . These shows claim to target what they think are stupid political and social viewpoints.

Let us see a sample of Stephen Colbert’s social satire:

“If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn’t help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we’ve got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don’t want to do it.”

Examples of Satire in Literature

Example #1: the adventures of huckleberry finn (by mark twain).

There are numerous examples of satire in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . He uses satire as a tool to share his ideas and opinions on slavery, human nature, and many other issues that afflicted American society at that time.

Below are a few citations from the novel that demonstrate satire:

• “What’s the use you learning to do right, when it’s troublesome to do right and isn’t no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?” (Ch. 16)
• “There warn’t anybody at the church, except maybe a hog or two, for there warn’t any lock on the door, and hogs likes a puncheon floor in summer-time because it’s cool. If you notice, most folks don’t go to church only when they’ve got to; but a hog is different.” (Ch. 18)
• “The pitifulest thing out is a mob; that’s what an army is – a mob; they don’t fight with courage that’s born in them, but with courage that’s borrowed from their mass, and from their officers. But a mob without any man at the head of it is beneath pitifulness.” (Ch. 22)

Example #2: The Rape of the Lock (By Alexander Pope)

Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock is an example of poetic satire in which he has satirized the upper middle class of eighteenth century England. It exposes the vanity of young fashionable ladies and gentlemen, and the frivolity of their actions. For example, Pope says, about Belinda, after losing her lock of hair:

“Whether the nymph shall break Diana’s law, Or some frail china jar receive a flaw, Or stain her honor, or her new brocade…”

The line mocks the values of the fashionable class of that age. The trivial things were thought of as equal to significant things. For Belinda, the loss of her virtue becomes equal to a China jar being cracked.

Example #3: Gulliver Travels (By Jonathan Swift)

Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver Travels is one of the finest satirical works in English Literature. Swift relentlessly satirizes politics, religion, and Western culture. Criticizing party politics in England, Swift writes:

“…that for above seventy Moons past there have been two struggling Parties in this Empire, under the Names of Tramecksan and Slamecksan from the high and low Heels on their shoes, by which they distinguish themselves.”

During Swift’s times, two rival political parties, the Whigs and the Tories, dominated the English political scene. Similarly, “The Kingdom of Lilliput” is dominated by two parties distinguished by the size of the heels of their boots. By the trivial disputes between the two Lilliputian parties, Swift satirizes the minor disputes of the two English parties of his period.

Function of Satire

The role of satire is to ridicule or criticize those vices in society the writer considers to be a threat to civilization. The writer considers it his obligation to expose these vices for the betterment of humanity. Therefore, the function of satire is not to make others laugh at persons or ideas they make fun of. It intends to warn the public, and to change people’s opinions about the prevailing corruption and conditions in society.

How to Write a Satire Essay: Examples, Outline and Topics

Ever wondered how to craft those hilarious yet thought-provoking satire essays that leave readers chuckling and pondering? Well, you've come to the right place!

Have you ever found yourself chuckling at the absurdities of life and thought, 'Hmm, there's definitely an essay in that'? Ever pondered how humor could be used to shed light on societal quirks and injustices? If so, you're already on your way to mastering the art of satire writing.

In this guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of writing satire essay examples. We'll cover everything from choosing the perfect topic to mastering the satire techniques. So, grab your pen, and let's have some fun being funny together.

What is a Satire Essay

A satire essay blends humor with social commentary to critique societal issues, human behavior, or institutions. Unlike traditional essays, it aims to entertain while highlighting life's absurdities.

This genre of writing uses wit, irony, sarcasm, and exaggeration to expose flaws and contradictions in society, targeting politics, popular culture, social norms, and human nature. It also addresses serious topics humorously, sparking conversation, inspiring change, and drawing attention to important social issues.

Satire essays come in various forms, from biting political critique to playful social commentary. Whether it's through clever wordplay, absurd scenarios, or biting satire, the goal of you as an essay writer is to entertain, enlighten, and challenge readers to see the world in a new light.

Who Said Essays Have to Be Dull?

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Types of a Satire Essay

Learning how to write a satire essay requires you to understand its different forms, each with its own unique style and approach to humorously critiquing society. Whether you ask us to write my essay or tackle it yourself, understanding its different types can help you choose the best format for conveying your message effectively. Here are some common types:

• Juvenalian Satire : This type of satire is harsh, bitter, and angry, focusing on exposing societal injustices, hypocrisy, and corruption.
• Horatian Satire : Named after the Roman poet Horace, this satire is lighthearted, playful, and witty, aiming to amuse while gently poking fun at human folly and societal absurdities.
• Menippean Satire : This satire is complex and unconventional, combining prose, verse, and various literary genres to critique society from multiple angles.
• Political Satire : Political satire humorously highlights the absurdities of politics, aiming to provoke thought and inspire change through parody and humor.
• Social Satire : Social satire critiques broader societal issues and cultural norms, such as relationships, consumerism, and technology, to prompt reflection on societal absurdities.
• Literary Satire : Literary satire uses literary conventions to critique traditions, genres, and authors, often through parody and metafiction.
• Visual Satire : Using images, cartoons, and caricatures, visual satire conveys satirical messages through humor and symbolism, often seen in political cartoons and memes.

25 Satirical Essay Topics

The topic you choose sets the stage for your humor and social commentary. From politics to pop culture, there's no shortage of informative essay topics that are also ripe for satirical critique. Here are 25 distinctive satirical essay ideas to inspire your satire:

• The Absurdity of Celebrity Culture : Explore the obsession with fame and the cult of celebrity.
• The Folly of Fashion Trends : Poke fun at the ever-changing world of fashion and beauty standards.
• The Myth of Perfect Parenting : Satirize the pressure to be a perfect parent in the age of social media.
• The Madness of Modern Technology : Lampoon our addiction to smartphones and social media.
• The Dystopia of Dating Apps : Examine the pitfalls of online dating and hookup culture.
• The Hilarity of Health Trends : Satirize the latest wellness fads and diet crazes.
• The Chaos of College Admissions : Explore the absurdities of the college application process.
• The Paradox of Political Correctness : Critique the complexities of navigating political correctness in today's society.
• The Irony of Environmental Activism : Satirize the contradictions inherent in environmental activism and green living.
• The Comedy of Corporate Culture : Examine the quirks and absurdities of office life and corporate culture.
• The Farce of Fashion Weeks : Lampoon the extravagance and pretentiousness of fashion weeks around the world.
• The Lunacy of Reality TV : Poke fun at the manufactured drama and shallowness of reality television.
• The Nonsense of Self-Help Books : Satirize the industry of self-help books and motivational seminars.
• The Ridiculousness of Social Justice Warriors : Critique the extremes of social justice activism and virtue signaling.
• The Comedy of Conspiracy Theories : Explore the bizarre world of conspiracy theories and their believers.
• The Absurdity of Gender Stereotypes : Satirize traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
• The Hypocrisy of Holistic Healing : Examine the contradictions of alternative medicine and holistic healing practices.
• The Parody of Political Campaigns : Poke fun at the theatrics and absurdities of political campaigns and election cycles.
• The Comedy of Class Reunions : Lampoon the nostalgia and awkwardness of high school reunions.
• The Folly of Fast Food Culture : Satirize the excesses and consequences of fast food consumption.
• The Madness of Memes : Explore the cultural significance and absurdity of internet memes.
• The Farce of Fashion Magazines : Critique the unrealistic beauty standards and consumerism promoted by fashion magazines.
• The Hilarity of Home Renovation Shows : Poke fun at the exaggerated transformations and drama of home renovation reality shows.
• The Paradox of Patriotism : Satirize the contradictions of nationalism and patriotic fervor.
• The Comedy of Cults and Communes : Examine the absurdities of fringe religious movements and utopian communities.

How to Write a Satire Essay: Outline Guide

Creating a solid satirical essay is like serving up a delicious dish of humor with a side of social commentary. But where do you start? How do you take your witty observations and turn them into a compelling satire essay? Fear not! In this section, we'll break down how to write a satire essay outline step by step, starting with crafting the perfect thesis statement.

Start with a Thesis Statement 

Writing a satire essay thesis statement is about encapsulating your satirical take on a particular issue or topic in a clear and concise manner. Your thesis statement should capture the essence of your satire – the target of your humor and the underlying message you're trying to convey.

For example, let's say you want to write a satire essay about the obsession with social media. Your thesis statement might be something like: 'In a world where likes and retweets reign supreme, social media becomes the ultimate stage for showcasing our most curated selves, blurring the lines between reality and virtual validation.'

This thesis statement sets the stage for your satire by highlighting the absurdity of our social media-driven culture and the disconnect between our online personas and real-life experiences. It presents a clear viewpoint that you'll then explore and dissect throughout your essay with humor and wit.

So, next time when crafting your thesis statement or asking us to write my thesis , remember to:

• Identify the specific issue or topic you want to satirize.
• Express your satirical take on the issue in a clear and concise manner.
• Ensure your thesis statement sets the tone for the rest of your essay and guides your readers toward your humorous critique.

Explain Your Idea in the First Body Paragraph

Now that you know how to start a satire essay and lay the foundation with your thesis statement, it's time to dive into the first body paragraph. Begin by expanding on the central idea introduced in your thesis statement. Keep the tone light and playful, but also ensure that your satire is rooted in truth and relevance.

Continuing with our example thesis statement about social media obsession, the first body paragraph might delve into the ways in which social media platforms have become integral parts of our daily lives. You could discuss the addictive nature of scrolling through feeds, the pressure to curate the perfect online persona, and the impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem.

Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to paint a picture of the absurdities inherent in the topic you're exploring. Highlight contradictions, hypocrisies, or ironies that underscore the satirical angle of your essay.

For instance, you might describe the lengths people go to for the perfect selfie or the absurdity of chasing virtual likes and validation. You could share personal anecdotes or humorous observations to bring the topic to life and engage your readers' imaginations.

Add More Layers in the Second Body Paragraph 

Building upon the groundwork laid in the first satire essay paragraph, this section allows you to explore additional facets of the topic and further develop your satirical critique. Start by identifying specific examples, scenarios, or observations that illustrate the absurdities or contradictions inherent in the topic you're satirizing.

Here, you might focus on the ways in which social media distorts our perceptions of reality and fuels a culture of comparison and envy. You could discuss the phenomenon of "FOMO" (fear of missing out) and the pressure to present a flawless image online, even if it's far from authentic.

You might also share stories of people going to extreme lengths to capture the perfect Instagram photo or the impact of cyberbullying and online harassment on mental health.

As you write the second body paragraph, strive to maintain a balance between humor and substance. Use humor to engage your readers and keep them entertained, but also provide meaningful commentary that prompts reflection and critical thinking.

Wrap Up with Impact 

As you wonder how to end a satire essay, remember to summarize the key points you've made about the topic at hand.

For example, in our satire essay about social media obsession, the conclusion might reiterate the pitfalls of seeking validation through likes and retweets, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and genuine human connection in a digital age.

Reflect on the broader implications of the topic you've explored and offer insights or suggestions for addressing the issues raised in your satire. This could involve proposing alternative approaches or solutions in a humorous manner, providing a sense of closure and hope amidst the laughter.

Finally, consider the overall impact of your satire essay and the emotions it evokes in your audience. Did you succeed in entertaining, enlightening, and provoking thought? Did you strike the right balance between humor and substance? Now that you know how to write a conclusion for an essay , reflect on your writing process and consider how you can continue to refine your skills as a satirist.

Handy Tips and Tricks

Before you begin making funny comments about society, let's talk about some easy tips to help you start. Writing a satire essay is all about being funny, using irony, and being a bit smart. If you need some assistance, you can ask us to help me do my essay . But for now, let's take a closer look at how you can improve your skills.

• Pick Your Focus : Satire works best when you make fun of something specific in society that you find funny or annoying.
• Try Different Things : Use different ways to be funny, like making jokes, using irony, or exaggerating things.
• Keep an Eye Out : Pay attention to what's happening around you for ideas. Satire often comes from real-life events or how people act.
• Look at Things Differently : Try writing from different viewpoints, like pretending to be a silly politician or a funny commentator.
• Have Fun : Remember, satire is all about having a good time and making people laugh. So, enjoy yourself and don't take it too seriously.

Satire Essay Examples

Through humor and wit, these satire essay examples offer insightful critiques of their respective subjects, demonstrating effective techniques for crafting satirical commentary.

4 Satire Essay Examples from World Literature

Satire is a popular tool in world literature, where famous writers use humor and irony to poke fun at society and human foolishness. Let's look at some well-known satire essay examples from literature and see how they work:

• 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift : Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' is a political satire masterpiece. Through Lemuel Gulliver's wild adventures, Swift mocks 18th-century British society and human nature. One famous episode is Gulliver's visit to Lilliput, where tiny inhabitants squabble over silly things like how to crack an egg. Swift uses these absurdities to show the silliness of politics and people.
• 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes : Cervantes' 'Don Quixote' pokes fun at chivalric romance. The main character, Don Quixote, is a delusional knight who goes on crazy quests to revive chivalry. Through his funny adventures, Cervantes criticizes the exaggerated ideals of honor and love. The book shows how fantasy can clash with reality in funny ways.
• 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell : Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is a powerful satire on totalitarianism. Animals rebel against humans on a farm, but soon, pigs take over and become dictators. Orwell uses the animals to represent political figures and ideas, showing the hypocrisy of authoritarian rule.
• 'Candide' by Voltaire : Voltaire's 'Candide' is a sharp satire on Enlightenment optimism. The main character, Candide, faces tragic and absurd situations but still believes everything is great. Through Candide's crazy adventures, Voltaire mocks the blind optimism of his time, revealing the harsh truths of human suffering and foolishness.

Final Words

Give yourself a pat on the back – you made it to the end of our writing adventure! With your sense of humor and a fresh understanding of life's funny quirks, you're all set to let your creativity loose on the page.

Just a friendly reminder: Satire isn't just about making jokes – it's a way to start conversations, question the status quo, and maybe even shake things up a bit. So, don't hold back! Try out different styles, go where your imagination takes you, and most importantly, be yourself.

Bored of the Same Old Essays?

Time to shake things up! Inject some humor into your academic life with our side-splitting satire essays.

How to Write a Satirical Essay?

What is a satirical essay, what is a good satire essay topic.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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The Oxford Handbook of Eighteenth-Century Satire

Paddy Bullard is Associate Professor of English Literature and Book History at the University of Reading. He is the author of Edmund Burke and the Art of Rhetoric (2011). With James McLaverty he co-edited Jonathan Swift and the Eighteenth-Century Book (2013) and, with Alexis Tadié, Ancients and Moderns in Europe (2016). With Timothy Michael he is co-editor of volume 15 (Later Prose) of The Oxford Edition of the Works of Alexander Pope.

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Eighteenth-century Britain thought of itself as a polite, sentimental, enlightened place, but often its literature belied this self-image. This was an age of satire, and the century’s novels, poems, plays, and prints resound with mockery and laughter, with cruelty and wit. The street-level invective of Grub Street pamphleteers is full of satire, and the same accents of raillery echo through the high scepticism of the period’s philosophers and poets, many of whom were part-time pamphleteers themselves. The novel, a genre that emerged during the eighteenth century, was from the beginning shot through with satirical colours borrowed from popular romances and scandal sheets. This handbook is a guide to the different kinds of satire written in English during the ‘long’ eighteenth century. It focuses on texts that appeared between the restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660 and the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. Outlier chapters extend the story back to first decade of the seventeenth century, and forward to the second decade of the nineteenth. The scope of the volume is not confined by genre, however. So prevalent was the satirical mode in writing of the age that this book serves as a broad and characteristic survey of its literature. The Handbook of Eighteenth-Century Satire seeks to reflect developments in historical criticism of eighteenth-century writing over the last two decades, and to provide a forum in which the widening diversity of literary, intellectual, and socio-historical approaches to the period’s texts can come together.

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How to Write a Satire Essay: My Personal Experience+Example

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There is no such a student who has never been assigned to write a college satire essay when getting education. I am not an exception! Despite the fact that I have never had serious problems with academic writing before and I have a great sense of humor, I must admit that the satirical essay turned out not as easy as ABC. It wasn't much fun-I had to pull an all-nighter to choose a favorite topic on some social issues that would be interesting to most people in America; search for the relevant information everywhere, including media; find good examples, and finally write my work according to a certain structure. To tell the truth, the thought to order the ready satire essay from professional writers has crossed my mind because this kind of task seemed to be the most difficult one in my life. I had neither time nor the knowledge about its distinctive features. However, I decided not to email custom writers and take this challenge on my own as I didn't get used to giving up. Now, I am here sharing my personal satire writing experience with everyone who is just going to deal with this kind of the written task.  

A Complete Guide on How to Write a Satire Essay

Before I got started with my essay, I have checked a large number of funny satire essay examples belonging to different categories. While reading, it seemed to me that I would cope with this assignment easily. However, I was mistaken. In general, essay structure looked like the one other essays have but at the same time, I understood that this kind of paper has its own distinctive features and peculiarities. I had to check a lot of guides on how to write a satire essay before I got started with mine. All of them said that it's very important to find interesting controversial satire essy topics about some political, cultural, social issues. Usually knowing language on a good level is very helpful so it is better to attend English Courses if you don't have enough knowledge. Due to the fact that I didn't know much about the two last spheres, I decided to write about the famous Donald Trump. You will be able to check my piece of writing later. Before you look at the satire paper itself, you should have a clear picture of how your paper must look like in terms of structural elements. I would like to share my personal experience in structuring the satire paper in accordance with the required instructions given by my school teacher. Now, I am going to tell you how to write a satire essay the right way.  

• An Introduction I think that all of you know that the first steps you should take are to think of a killer title, which I had to change for several times after having finished and to write an introduction. I've understood that if you want to attract the reader's attention, you need to start either with the intriguing question that your reader would like to answer, or some figures.

For example, if you are going to craft an essay about the well-known politician, - find some interesting facts about his/her life and career, start your work with some shocking information. Don't forget to include a powerful thesis statement at the end of your introduction. Write just 1-2 sentences keeping in mind that they must be informative and strong, expressing the main idea, and explaining to the reader what you are going to discuss in your work. I had to rewrite my introduction 3 or 5 times until I made it perfect. Every time when rereading I tried to imagine that I was a reader. This trick will help you to understand how the paper beginning sounds, whether it is able to hook or not.

• The Main Body The process of writing the main body took me much time - a day or two if to be exact. This is due to the fact that this is a part where you are expected to provide all information on the chosen subject.

First, I had to find all the relevant materials and select those which could add some value to my paper. I used a lot of different information sources, including the Internet, published and electronic books online, magazine articles, blog posts, and a lot of various publications. I have checked every place where I could find something about Trump. I chose interesting pieces of information, gathered them like a puzzle, made sure that the main part of my essay was creative, original, and logical. Remember that it is better to stick to the 5-6 paragraph structure, which means that the main body will take the major part of your work-3-4 paragraphs. Use thematic essay examples while writing your task. The exact volume will depend on the number of facts you are going to use in your paper. The most difficult thing is to present the facts so that the reader feels where exactly you have used exaggerations, hyperbole, and another language device to poke fun.

• The Conclusion As any other kind of academic paper, a satire essay should end with the brief conclusion. I wrote a short summary of all the ideas that I have included in the main body, and then added a couple of sentences explaining the reader my point of view and the reasons why I consider my work valuable for the today's generation. Can't come up with a thought-provoking conclusion? Rely on StudyCrumb's essay conclusion generator and get a nice ending made in seconds.

Check Good Satire Essay Examples Before You Get Started

Have you wanted to see my satire essay? Here, you are! Have a closer look at the piece of writing I have submitted and got an A-grade! 

The eccentric billionaire has become a symbol of anti-establishment sentiments that have swept the United States in the recent years. Having crushed the orderly number of forecasts of numerous experts, and the results of opinion polls, a candidate from the Republican Party Donald Trump won the presidential elections in the United States. The man who promised to "drain the Washington swamp" won. But will the hopes of his supporters be justified, when Trump as the 45th president of America will take decisions in the White House? While the United States was counting votes in the presidential election, and the scales were becoming more confident in favor of Donald Trump, the website of the state migration service in neighboring Canada was working intermittently. These disruptions seem to have arisen from the fact that many Americans have decided to examine the conditions of moving to the land of the maple leaf. The number of requests in Google about how to move to Canada, also sharply increased. According to one of the pre-election polls, 28% of Americans considered the option of leaving for Canada in the event of Trump's victory. They said that the US residents had a threat to go to Canadians - this is almost traditional national fun for the presidential elections. But it is unlikely that this "fun" was so serious before. Several American celebrities - from B. Streisand and Cher to Samuel L. Jackson and Whoopi Goldberg – threatened that if Trump would become their President, they would "choose freedom": go to Spain, to South Africa, or to Jupiter. In the information battles of the pre-election race against Donald Trump heavy artillery was used. The main caliber was hit in two directions. First: Trump is a misogynist and a womanizer. Second: Trump is a puppet of the Kremlin. Donald Trump himself played along with his critics on the "Russian" direction saying "I think I will get along well with Vladimir Putin. I just think so”. Trump shared his thoughts when he announced his intention to become a president. A few months later, he said that if he would be elected, it is unlikely that there will be problems in relations with Russia. Trump gratefully accepted the praise addressed to him by Putin: "It's always an honor to be praised by a man so respected in his own country and abroad. I always believed that together, Russia and the United States could defeat terrorism and restore peace. We could also trade with each other, not to mention other benefits." The businessman and showman, producer and politician are 4 in 1 and all these personalities are in one "great and terrible person" Trump. The showman, perhaps, is the key word in this series. Donald for many years was an active organizer of the Miss USA competitions. His cameo can be seen in several movies and television series. Trump entered the history of the American show business as the host and co-producer of the reality show The Apprentice on the NBC channel. So, after the Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan, a TV star appeared in the White House. Trump is a one hundred percent challenge to the system, which it must respond to in order to get out of the current state, where Trump appeared.

Want a similar satire paper? Contact StudyCrumb and get professional writing help from experts. 

Top-20 A-Grade Satire Essay Topics for You to Choose From

• The smartest human of all the times.
• Childish labor helps businesses to flourish.
• D. Trump is the most famous President who is free in his self-expression.
• H. Clinton always takes right decisions.
• Trump and Putin have “friendly” relationships.
• Are the US citizens happy with the President selection?
• Comment on cultural differences and their influence on relationships between students.
• Media: the best invention or the worst thing ever?
• Today, people learn about their lives from the morning newspapers.
• All harmful things have a great taste.
• The best president in the US history.
• Doing nothing is fashionable today.
• A robot works better than real people.
• Politicians and comedians have much in common.
• Money values in the modern society.
• Fast food – fast weight.
• Satire in English literature.
• A family business is the worst thing that may happen to the family members.
• Living alone is much better than with anyone else.
• Boring teacher-bored students.

Choose one of the above-mentioned satire essay topics, follow the tips for writing a satire essay, and I guarantee that you’ll get a high score! Never give up and treat the satire essay assignment as a fun thing to do demonstrating your unique sense of humor! Good luck!

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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International Conference: The Trans- Phenomenon in Language, Literature, and Culture

International Conference on

The Trans- Phenomenon in Language, Literature, and Culture

November 15-16, 2024

Organized by the Department of English and Humanities

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Prof. Guofang Li,   Canada Research Chair in Transnational/Global Perspectives on Language and Literacy Education of Children and Youth, and Professor, Department of Language and Literacy Education, University of British Columbia, Canada   Prof. Kaiser Haq, Dean, School of Arts and Humanities, and Professor, Department of English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

The Department of English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, cordially invites you to the 2024 International Conference on TheTrans- Phenomenon in Language, Literature, and Culture. We conceptualize the 'trans-' prefix in three dimensions based on existing scholarship. The first dimension of 'trans' is the movement between and beyond established systems and structures. Colonial and nationalist forces territorialize languages, literatures, and cultures into politically constructed categories such as Bangla language, English language, Arabic literature, American literature, Indian culture, Japanese culture, and so on. These territorializations were designed to maintain distinct boundaries between each respective category, preventing any significant overlap or intermingling. The second dimension of ‘trans-’ holds transformative potential as it combines various elements of our linguistic and cognitive abilities, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and social encounters from distinct territorial categories. This combination of different elements leads to the development of new skills, knowledge, and attitudes, ultimately leading to the emergence of fresh translingual, transcultural, and transnational identities. The third dimension of ‘trans-’ is transdisciplinary, as it embraces translingual, transcultural, and transnational experiences as a lens through which to view human sociality, cognition, social relationships, and social structures in an integrated and holistic manner.

We welcome submissions that examine the 'trans-' phenomenon by drawing on recent scholarship in translanguaging, transculturalism, and transnationalism. To begin, translanguaging scholarship highlights a fluid, dynamic understanding of language, in contrast to the socially and politically constructed named-languages such as Bangla, English, and Hindi. Secondly, transculturalism scholarship emphasizes the creative and transformative aspects of cultural adaptation, where individuals position themselves in liminal social contexts and draw upon the values and practices of various cultures to continuously shape their identity and sense of belonging. Lastly, transnationalism scholarship imagines a world where the authority of nation-states to regulate migration and other forms of circulation has been progressively diminished. This paradigm shift entails the merging of cultural and political characteristics unique to nation-states with the emergence of multilevel and multinational activities in a new space that transcends territorial nation-states.

To sum up, the trans- phenomenon encompasses theoretical concepts such as translanguaging, transculturalism, and transnationalism that involve dynamic movement between languages, cultures, and national identities. The trans- phenomenon opposes the political agenda of nation-states that enforce territorial boundaries on languages, literatures, cultures, and nationalities. It aims to promote social justice by empowering individuals, communities, families, learners, and educators whose languages, literatures, cultures, and identities have been marginalized by dominant national languages and cultures. Instead of relying on a predominantly monolingual and monocultural ideology, pedagogical constructs derived from translanguaging, transculturalism, and transnationalism may open up academic spaces where students and teachers can use their entire selves, including linguistic, cultural, ideological, and identity factors, to build new identities with widened dispositions to appreciate linguistic and cultural diversity. In this conference, we invite you to explore the implications of the trans-movement in our practices and pedagogies. 

Potential topics might include, but are not limited to:

Translanguaging and translanguaging pedagogies

Transculturalism

Transnationalism and transnational literature

Literary translingualism 

Transmodernism/Metamodernism

Trans-technological evolution

Trans-lation, trans-formation and trans-nation

Migration and racism

Diversity and social cohesion

Diaspora studies

Decolonization

Global, local and glocal knowledge structures

Ecologies, trans-ecologies and eco-criticisms 

Trans-speciesism and social justice 

Gender spectrums 

The Politics of Publishing

Teaching languages and literatures of the Global South in Western academia

Selected papers will be published in an edited volume.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Abstract Submission: July 23, 2024

Acceptance Notification: August 23, 2024.

Registration Deadline: November 1, 2024

REGISTRATION FEES

International presenters (on-site): 200 USD

International presenters (virtual): 50 USD

Local presenters: 2500 BDT

Student presenters: 1500 BDT

Participants: 1000 BDT

Student participants and On-spot registration: 500 BDT

Abstract submission guidelines:

Abstract length: 250 words

Short bio of the presenter(s): 50 words

Abstract Submission Link

Abstracts will be double-peer-reviewed, and conference registrations will be invited depending on the outcome. 

For inquiries: [email protected]

Website:  https://deh.ulab.edu.bd/deh-international-conference

Facebook Event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/357674537315847