Satire: An Overview

Basics of Satire
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, satire is a "work of art which uses
humor, irony, , or to expose and criticize prevailing
immorality or foolishness, esp. as a form of social or political commentary"

What are some essential questions satire aims to answer?

What four main areas of criticism does satire aim at?

Activity #1

Watch the clip from The Simpsons. What do you think the show was aiming to
satirize? What methods do you think it employs to achieve it?
Types of Satire

What are the two main types of satire? Circle all that apply:
A. Horatian
B. Mendelian
C. Oregigan
D. Juvenalian

Complete the Venn Diagram

Juvenalian Horatian

Activity #2

Answer this free response question:

What are some issues in which Horatian satire would work best; similarly, what
are some issues in which Juvenalian satire would work best?

Elements of Satire

List the six general elements of satire:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.