Satire is writing that criticizes society and public figures using humor and sarcasm to promote reform. Literary scholars divide satire into three categories: Juvenal, Horace, and Menippean. Satirists should use wit and sarcasm, stay within appropriate social taste, and understand their audience’s knowledge of the subject. Satire has a long history, and famous satirists include Jonathan Swift, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Mark Twain.
Good satire is generally thought to be writing that seeks to point out the faults of society and its institutions. Satirical writing can also be used to criticize the actions or policies of prominent public figures. Good satire typically uses humor and sarcasm to make fun of institutions and public figures, with the aim of reforming society or politics. Often, however, the satire seems to address archetypal figures rather than particular individuals. Writers of good satirists are usually advised to assume that their readers are intelligent enough to understand the piece’s humor, which may be either overstated or understated, depending on the nature of the satirist’s audience.
Literary scholars generally divide satire into three categories, named after ancient Greek and Roman authors who are believed to have been some of the first writers to work in the genre. Juvenal satire takes its name from the Roman author Juvenal, whose satires are typically identified as somewhat scathing and often hostile in their mockery. Horace’s satire is generally regarded as much less caustic and generally attempts to portray its subjects as foolish rather than corrupt or depraved. Horace’s satire often encourages the reader to laugh at himself as well as at the subject of the satire. Menippean satire, named after the Greek author Menippus, is a type of satire that pokes fun at the world at large, rather than focusing on a single subject or character.
Writers of good satire usually employ wit and sarcasm rather than obscenities or unpleasant personal attacks. The satirist is usually most successful when addressing the level of understanding of his or her readers. Different audiences will generally find humor in very different things. It is also considered important that the writer of good satire understands and satisfies his readers’ knowledge of the subject. Readers who possess detailed knowledge of the subject of satire will be more likely to understand the humor in the satirical piece.
It is generally considered prudent and effective to stay within the bounds of appropriate social taste when writing good satire. Some have warned that written satire in bad taste can be dangerous to its author and even to society at large, since the subjects of satire often dislike being laughed at. The use of subtlety, ambiguity, and innuendo can help the effective satirist protect himself from crossing this line. The caricature, parody, irony and sarcasm used in satire can be kept on the less caustic side, to avoid causing dangerous offences.
Satire as a literary genre has a long history, dating back to the times of Ancient Greece. Famous satirists throughout history have included authors Jonathan Swift, Geoffrey Chaucer and Mark Twain. More modern satirists include author Sir Terry Pratchett, television personality Jon Stewart and cartoonist Gary Trudeau.
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