Definition of Satire: Crafting Effective Satirical Writing
Satire stands out as the literary genre best suited to mock humanity. From Ancient Egypt onward, authors have used satirical methods in poetry and prose, leveraging its core features to highlight human absurdities.
Satire writing has gained increased popularity in recent times. This rise can be partly attributed to the internet, as broader access to information provides writers with more material to mock. Another contributing factor is the growing presence of satirical outlets, such asThe Onion and Reductress, have intensified satirical portrayals of contemporary life.
Although headlines such as “Overly Cautious Pregnant Woman Only Going To Ride Roller Coaster 6 Or 7 Times” may appear absurd or simplistic, crafting effective satire is a nuanced skill often underestimated by both readers and writers. This piece explores the fundamentals of satirical writing, including its distinct styles, core components, and key techniques crucial to the genre. Throughout, we’ll examine these aspects by dissecting real-world examples of satire.
But first, what exactly defines satire? Grasping its true nature and purpose is essential, as well as recognizing both its form andwhat it is notLet’s establish the definition of satire in this context.
- Definition of Satire: Understanding Satire
- Key Components of Satirical Composition
- Satire and Parody: A Comparative Look
- Satire and Sarcasm Compared
- Poetic Satire
- What are the two main forms of satire in literature?
- Examples of Horatian Satire
- Examples of Juvenalian Satire
- How to Craft Satire Effectively
- Components of Satirical Composition
- Satire versus Parody
- Satire and Sarcasm Compared
- Poetic Satire
Definition of Satire: Understanding Satire
Satire is a creative form that humorously exposes human flaws and vices, aiming to highlight and critique these inherent weaknesses. Essentially, it serves as an elegant method of mocking societal behaviors, political systems, and established institutions.
Satire is a form of artistic expression that ridicules human flaws or weaknesses, aiming to expose and reform these inherent imperfections in society.
Satire is a form of artistic expression that ridicules human flaws or vices, aiming to expose and reform these inherent weaknesses in society.
Satire isn’t merely mindless mockery. Merely addressing a topic with sarcasm, irony, or disdain doesn’t qualify as satire. Similarly, ridiculing something alone doesn’t suffice—for instance, an article mocking victims of arson would simply be heartless rather than satirical.
Satire should target a particular behavior, idea, or establishment, exposing the weaknesses in their reasoning without overtly highlighting the humor. Ultimately, it must reveal these logical flaws to raise awareness and inspire transformation.
Let’s employ anOnionTake this article as an illustration. Consider this short piece: “Mark Zuckerberg Requests Hawaiian Neighbor to Remove Unkempt, Dense Rainforest.”
The title itself serves as brilliant satire, yet it’s worth examining the article’s underlying approach.
- Realistic fiction:This never occurred to begin with—yet it feels like the kind of thing that could.
- The irony in employing the phrase “lack of respect”:Zuckerberg considers the forest’s existence disrespectful, yet his demand to alter the untouched landscape is far more offensive.
- Exaggerated expressions:Expressions such as “unkempt biome” and “obnoxious waterfall” are exaggerated and unconventional, highlighting the humorous tone of the piece.
- Disdainful Tone:The article’s author unmistakably conveys a tone brimming with disdain and sharp irony.
- Subtlety:The article does not explicitly state that “Mark Zuckerberg is a bad person.” However, it cites him referring to native Hawaiians as “disgusting nuisances,” employing a rhetorical technique known as “paraprosdokian.”
- Pushing reasoning to its limits:This piece explores the notion of a billionaire imposing excessive, harmful demands purely for personal convenience. The article pushes this concept to its most extreme conclusion.
- Contrasting elements placed side by side:Hawaiian rainforests don’t have an HOA. This detail mocks the bureaucratic systems the wealthy exploit—if a rainforest HOA existed, Zuckerberg would undoubtedly profit from it.
Let’s take a closer look at these satirical components shortly. At this point, observe how each element—irony, juxtaposition, hyperbole, and so on—combines seamlessly in this brief yet impactful piece.
Components of Satirical Composition
Whether you’re crafting Juvenalian satire or Horatian satire (concepts we’ll explain shortly), these components are essential for creating satirical pieces. You’ll observe several of these elements in action both in the aforementioned article and the satire examples provided later.
- Realism: A satirical piece needs to feel plausible, as if it could genuinely occur in reality. This can be challenging, particularly when your essay involves a politician endorsing the idea of eating infants. The crucial aspect is that satireavoids calling attention to its inherent absurdityThe narrative should maintain a serious tone toward its subject, even while employing humorous literary techniques.
- Irony:Irony occurs when reality contradicts expectations, creating a striking disparity between appearance and truth. This device catches the reader off guard, stimulating thought or amusement. In satire, irony plays a crucial role by blending realism with exaggeration, entertaining the audience or subverting their preconceived notions.
- Hyperbole:Hyperbole refers to exaggerated language that doesn’t match the subject it describes. Imagine stepping out on a scorching July afternoon and exclaiming, “It’s a thousand degrees out here!” Such over-the-top expressions are frequently used in satire. Keep in mind that understatement can also serve as a powerful type of hyperbole.
- Tone:Tone reflects the writer’s perspective on a particular subject. Since satire aims to ridicule or critique, its tone can range from ironic and sarcastic to mocking, critical, or purely satirical.
- Subtlety:Satire writers must carefully navigate the line between believability and exaggeration. The narrative should feel grounded in reality while embracing humor and ridiculousness.by subtly implying the subject of the satire rather than directly naming it.
- Pushing Logic to Its Limits:A logical extreme occurs when a concept or stance is pushed to an exaggerated yet plausible endpoint. For instance, consider the claim “Cats are evil.” A logical extreme of this statement might be “Kitten Plots Homicide Nonstop From Dawn Till Dusk.”
- Contrast of Mismatched Elements:Juxtaposition involves positioning two connected elements near each other within a text. In satirical writing, authors often place contrasting or mismatched elements side by side, treating them as if they naturally belong together. For instance, a headline like “Geologists Find Historical Record of Last 3 Million Years in Woman’s Makeup Brushes” demonstrates this technique.
Satire relies on the clever use of humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique or expose societal flaws. Its essence lies in highlighting absurdities and contradictions, often through sharp wit and playful mockery. The power of satire stems from its ability to provoke thought while entertaining, making it a unique and impactful form of expression. Understanding this fundamental nature is key to appreciating its role in commentary and art.imitationThe narrative feels plausible, as if it could—or already has—occurred in reality, with only minor alterations to amplify its absurdity or exaggeration. These adjustments—through contrasts, overstatements, and extreme scenarios—create a nuanced but impactful commentary on the subject of the satire.
Imitative works frequently serve as satire. Take parody, which mimics another piece of art, literature, or media in a humorous or critical way. Burlesque operates similarly, exaggerating a solemn creation into something absurd and laughable. Likewise, slapstick can carry satirical undertones, particularly when its exaggerated physical comedy targets public figures the creator perceives as foolish.
Notice the key components at work in the satirical illustrations we present across this piece.
Satire versus Parody
Since parodies aim to humorously mimic, critique, or playfully reinterpret existing creative works, they are frequently mistaken for satire. While parody can sometimes serve as a vehicle for satire, the two concepts have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Parody involves humorously mimicking a particular style or genre. A notable illustration of this isDon Quixote, the iconic protagonist of Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece, is a deluded nobleman who embarks on absurd adventures, mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles. Driven by chivalric ideals, he recruits the simple farmer Sancho Panza as his squire, together navigating a world that mocks his outdated notions of heroism. Through their misadventures, Cervantes critiques the romanticized literature of his time while exploring themes of reality versus illusion. The novel’s blend of humor and tragedy has cemented its status as a foundational work of Western literature.a book that humorously mimics the love stories popular in 17th-century Spain. Another instance isCandide. Candideappears to be a satirical piece, yet it builds its critique through playful imitations of romantic and adventure genres, such as the picaresque and the bildungsroman.
In the realm of media, parody plays a significant role in the sketches of Saturday Night Live. A prime example is 1-800-Flowers, which humorously mimics the style of televised flower advertisements.
Satire possesses a far greater depth and intricacy compared to parody.
Satire is far more intricate than parody: not only is it more nuanced, but it also directly targets and critiques a specific concept, viewpoint, or individual. Parody, on the other hand, may humorously imitate styles or traditions without necessarily singling out a person or ideology—even though it can sometimes carry a critical tone.
In essence, parody is an imitative creative piece capable of existing independently,orit can play a role in shaping a satirical piece, though it does not equate to satire in its own right.
Satire and sarcasm differ in their intent and delivery. Satire aims to critique or expose societal flaws through humor, irony, or exaggeration, often with a constructive purpose. Sarcasm, on the other hand, is a sharp, mocking remark intended to ridicule or express contempt, typically without a broader societal focus. While both use wit, satire tends to be more nuanced and layered, whereas sarcasm is more direct and cutting.
A parallel challenge arises when comparing satire and sarcasm: while they appear identical, one is fundamentally a component of the other.
Sarcasm involves employing ironic remarks to mock someone’s shortcomings. It’s a form of verbal irony aimed at ridicule. For example, if you accidentally drop your phone and the screen shatters, a sarcastic companion (or foe!) might remark, “How elegant,” suggesting your action was anything but graceful.
Sarcasm serves as a fundamental component of satire. A satirical piece may adopt a sarcastic tone, incorporate sarcastic depictions, or depend extensively on language that is deliberately reversed.
Many individuals use the terms “satirical” and “sarcastic” interchangeably, assuming they carry the same meaning. While related, they have distinct nuances. “Sarcastic” refers to “employing humor and irony to mock or offend,” while “satirical” denotes “utilizing humor and irony to highlight or critique societal flaws.”
Mockery in Verse
While many instances of satire are found in prose, it also appears in poetic forms. Satirical poems employ the same methods as prose, yet the limitations of poetic structure require the poet to be more selective about which satirical components to incorporate.
Classic poets like Dryden, Swift, and Shelley used satire in their verse, but for a contemporary example, consider Simon Armitage’s poem “Thank You For Waiting.”
The poem’s satirical tone is unmistakable. Its structure mimics the phrasing employed by airlines during passenger boarding. By pushing this language to its absurd conclusion, the poem sharply critiques the manufactured class hierarchies upheld by airlines, corporations, and other affluent capitalist entities.
What are the two main forms of satire in literature?
What are the two main forms of satire? According to literary scholars, satirical works fall into two distinct classifications: Horatian and Juvenalian. These divisions originate from the Roman poets Horace and Juvenal, who lived during the era of Ancient Rome.
Horatian satire employs humor and wit to critique societal flaws, often adopting a lighthearted and playful tone. Unlike its more abrasive counterparts, it aims to amuse while gently exposing human follies, encouraging reflection rather than outrage. This form of satire, named after the Roman poet Horace, favors clever mockery over harsh condemnation, making its commentary more palatable and enduring.is a generally cheerful piece that humorously highlights humanity’s flaws. It avoids harshness or excessive judgment, instead gently mocking human shortcomings with a touch of empathy, revealing our flaws with a lighthearted grin.
In comparison,Juvenalian satire employs biting, harsh criticism to expose societal vices and human folly, often using scorn, outrage, and savage ridicule. Unlike its more light-hearted counterpart, Horatian satire, it adopts a pessimistic and indignant tone, targeting hypocrisy, corruption, and moral decay with unrelenting severity. This form of satire seeks to provoke anger or contempt rather than amusement, aiming to inspire change through its abrasive and confrontational approach.expresses far greater outrage and is crafted to harshly critique and denounce a specific individual or organization perceived as morally corrupt by the satirist. Such works of satire often directly address societal and governmental concerns.
A lesser-known variant of satire, known as Menippean satire, represents a third category. Unlike other forms, it targets modes of thought rather than specific people or collectives. Typically presented as a full-length novel, it critiques societal conventions and frequently incorporates philosophical debates. Inspired by an Ancient Greek satirist, modern Menippean satire might ridicule concepts such as altered states of consciousness.Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland).
The Menippean satire follows a distinct historical trajectory and adheres to specific genre norms not covered in this piece. For further details on these conventions, refer to this source.
For now, let’s examine a few examples of Horatian satire and Juvenalian satire.
Examples of Horatian Satire
Horatian satire stands out as the most playful and humorous type of satire. While its primary goal is to entertain and elicit laughter, Horatian satire can still deliver insightful commentary and provoke deeper reflection.
1. Gulliver’s Voyagesby Jonathan Swift
Gulliver’s Travels critiques the “travelers’ tale,” a literary style that flourished during the era of exploration. The story follows Lemuel Gulliver as he journeys to various fantastical lands, including Lilliput, inhabited by miniature people, Brobdingnag, a realm of giants, Laputa, a floating island dedicated to the arts, and the Houyhnhnms’ territory, where intelligent horses converse.
During his journeys, Gulliver frequently contrasts the cultures and political systems of the societies he encounters with those of Europe in the 1700s. Every nation he visits faces unique issues, exaggerated to their logical conclusions. The Houyhnhnms, for instance, are virtuous and truthful beings who lack a term for deception. (Their name derives from the noise horses produce.) However, they willingly conceal Gulliver’s identity as a stranger among the native humans (the Yahoos), suggesting they view omission as preferable to falsehood.
Gulliver’s character is often gullible and seldom engages in thoughtful analysis. Consequently, his perspective on humanity grows increasingly bleak throughout the narrative, as he notices the shortcomings of each society he encounters. Instead of appreciating the complexities of human behavior and culture, he concludes that all people are fundamentally alike, deepening his disillusionment.
Consequently, every aspect of the narrative is meticulously designed as satire. The tone is Horatian, as numerous scenarios aim to amuse the audience—for instance, the Brobdingnag giants constructing a miniature dwelling to transport Gulliver. Even so, the book encourages readers to reflect on their responses to diverse cultures and personal experiences, while also confronting the reality that no perfect system of governance exists.
2. The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. It follows a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral, who agree to tell tales to pass the time. The work is renowned for its vivid characters, varied narratives, and insightful portrayal of medieval society. Chaucer’s masterpiece blends humor, satire, and moral lessons, offering a rich tapestry of human experience. The Canterbury Tales remains a cornerstone of English literature, celebrated for its linguistic innovation and enduring influence.from the pen of Chaucer
*The Canterbury Tales* recounts the journey of a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Along the way, they share stories to pass the time, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval society through humor, satire, and moral lessons. Chaucer’s masterpiece captures the essence of human nature across various social classes, blending realism with poetic craftsmanship.stands out for several significant reasons, particularly because it played a key role in making English vernacular widely accepted in literary works (at a time when English was considered the language of the common people, while Latin or French dominated literature). Composed partly in prose and partly in poetry,*The Canterbury Tales* recounts the journey of a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Along the way, they share stories to pass the time, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval society through humor, romance, and moral lessons. Geoffrey Chaucer’s masterpiece captures the voices and personalities of each character, blending satire and insight into human nature. The tales vary in tone and style, reflecting the social hierarchy and values of 14th-century England. Unfinished at the time of Chaucer’s death, the work remains a cornerstone of English literature.offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of the early 1400s.
Upon closer inspection, it also serves as a satirical critique of England’s inhabitants.
*The Canterbury Tales* is a renowned collection of stories penned by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. It follows a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, who agree to tell tales to pass the time. Through their narratives, Chaucer offers a vivid portrayal of medieval society, blending humor, satire, and moral lessons. The work remains a cornerstone of English literature, celebrated for its rich characterizations and linguistic innovation.centers on a band of pilgrims who entertain one another by sharing tales drawn from their own lives. Their backgrounds are diverse: among them are a friar, a knight, two nuns, a shipman, a physician, a cook, a pardoner, and numerous others. Every story is shaped by the teller’s social rank and position. Consequently, their narratives serve as critiques of the realities they depict and, more widely, mock facets of medieval society at large.
For instance, *The Nun’s Tale* ridicules “courtly love,” a literary style (and realistic depiction) of romantic interactions within the aristocracy. Rather than unfolding in royal courts, *The Nun’s Tale* is set in a barnyard, deliberately undermining the chivalric ideals the Nun portrays.
The 15th century marked a period of significant social transformation across Europe, especially in England, as the rise of a merchant class and a secular intellectual elite gave birth to fresh perspectives on societal organization.The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. It follows a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral, who agree to tell tales to pass the time. The work is renowned for its vivid characters and insightful portrayal of medieval society.exploits these shifts through humor, mocking the social structures and mentalities of individuals across every tier.
3. A Yankee from Connecticut at the Court of King Arthurby Mark Twain
A Yankee from Connecticut at the Court of King Arthuris widely celebrated as one of the earliest novels to explore time travel. Beyond this, it serves as a witty Horatian satire critiquing the ideals of medieval Feudalism.
In the story, Hank Morgan, a Connecticut-based engineer, accidentally finds himself transported to 6th century England following a blow to the head. By predicting future events, Hank persuades the locals of his “supernatural abilities.” Through this, he rises to influence within King Arthur’s court and attempts to introduce modern advancements to the medieval era. The narrative serves as a critique of the beliefs and systems in both medieval culture and 19th century American society.
For instance, Merlin conjures an invisibility cloak that Sir Sagramor dons during his fight with Hank. Hank feigns an inability to spot Sir Sagramor, mocking both the beliefs in magical powers and the traditions of knighthood, which were central to medieval English society.
By contrasting vastly different cultures, Mark Twain humorously critiques human society as it existed 1,300 years prior to his own era, while simultaneously highlighting the enduring similarities between people of both periods.
In modern satirical journalism,The Onion and ReductressBoth typically serve as instances of Horatian satire, yet at times they may adopt a Juvenalian tone.
Examples of Juvenalian Satire
Though Juvenalian satire may evoke laughter, its primary aim is to mock the behaviors and ideologies of specific societies and institutions. Consequently, the examples of Juvenalian satire below frequently mirror the political climate of their eras, pushing political doctrines to their most extreme conclusions.
1. Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”
“A Modest Proposal” exemplifies Juvenalian satire at its finest. Penned in 1729, the work critiques Britain’s governance of Ireland, as the nation’s control over Ireland frequently led to starvation and turmoil. Initially released under the full heading “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 remains a sharp indictment of oppressive policies.
The satire in the essay succeeds largely due to its ability to shock. Swift begins by outlining Ireland’s struggles, focusing on the hardships faced by beggars and starving individuals. Suddenly, the essay shifts to discussing the benefits of consuming one-year-old infants—a stark contrast of opposing ideas, pushing the argument to its most extreme conclusion.
The essay largely focuses on justifying the consumption of infants: the various methods of preparing them, the economic advantages, and how it could address problems such as homicide and taxation. It constructs a case that appears nearly persuasive. Without considering the ethical implications of eating children, the satire comes close to successfully presenting infant consumption as a practical policy solution.
Despite this, the audience grows to empathize with the Irish and despise the essay’s narrator, ultimately challenging the policy choices made by 18th-century Britain. Given that the work condemns British policymakers and their actions toward the Irish, its biting tone unmistakably classifies it as Juvenalian satire.
You can find “A Modest Proposal” available to read on Project Gutenberg.
2. The farm where animals live and work togetherby George Orwell
The farm where animals live and work together.is a Juvenalian satire that reimagines the founding of the Soviet Union through the allegory of farm animals substituting for historical political figures. In this way, it transforms the traditional fable into a biting satirical novella, depicting the roles of Trotsky, Lenin, Stalin, and the turbulent events surrounding the fall of Russia’s imperial regime.
The Manor FarmThe story opens on a neglected farm managed by the irresponsible owner Mr. Jones, symbolizing the monarchy. The pigs unite under the guidance of Old Major, a wise elder pig embodying Lenin and the ideologies of Karl Marx. Motivated by the dream of liberation from Mr. Jones, the animals rise up and seize control of the farm.
Similar to the early days of the Soviet Union, the freshly governed Animal Farm starts off thriving. The animals labor to update the farm and ensure it can support itself, providing fair care for every creature.
Soon, though, certain leaders on the farm start vying for control. Snowball, symbolizing Trotsky, strives to uphold the principles of fairness and advancement championed by Old Major (referred to as Animalism in the novel). Napoleon, representing Stalin, aims to take control for his own benefit. To achieve this, he enlists Squealer, a pig who stands for Molotov, the Soviet propaganda chief. Squealer manipulates the animals into believing Snowball is plotting against them, when in reality, it is Napoleon who is scheming.
The story traces how Napoleon manipulates the rhetoric of advancement to serve his personal ambitions, amassing riches from the very farm animals he professes to champion.
Why is this considered an example of Juvenalian satire? To begin, the portrayal of Soviet Union leaders as pigs is hardly a veiled critique. The satire stems from the absurd yet striking parallels to Europe’s political landscape during the early 1900s. Orwell pushes Soviet propaganda to its furthest limits, revealing how effortlessly an entire farm—or nation—can be controlled by twisting language and ideology.
3. In *Brave New World*, Aldous Huxley crafts a dystopian future where society is meticulously controlled through technological and psychological manipulation. The novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the cost of stability, presenting a world where human emotions and relationships are suppressed in favor of efficiency and order. Through vivid characters and a stark vision of the future, Huxley challenges readers to reflect on the consequences of sacrificing humanity for progress.by Aldous Huxley
A further example of mid-century satirical literature,In *Brave New World*, Aldous Huxley crafts a dystopian future where society is meticulously controlled through technological and psychological manipulation. The novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the cost of stability, presenting a world where human emotions and relationships are suppressed in favor of efficiency and order. Huxley’s vision challenges readers to reflect on the consequences of sacrificing humanity for progress.The novel mocks the concept of a perfect utopia, depicting a reality where all inhabitants experience happiness yet lack purpose. Characters are engineered and assigned to predetermined social tiers, determined by the intellect and physical capabilities implanted during their creation.
The story centers on Bernard Marx, an upper-class individual who begins to challenge the established order of the utopian society. This world relies heavily on Soma, a substance designed to induce happiness and regularly used by its inhabitants. By keeping people content with their societal roles, Soma prevents them from recognizing the imperfections of their so-called perfect world—except for Bernard, who refuses to take the drug, and his companion Helmholtz, an author who finds it difficult to create meaningful work without personal hardship.
The story traces Bernard’s confrontation with societal norms, as he observes the existence of Native Americans untouched by contemporary ways, and explores the consequences when these individuals, unaccustomed to artificial living, are thrust into the constructed ideals of the so-called “utopia.”
What defines this as satire is the exaggeration of societal norms to their most extreme conclusions. For instance, the characters inIn *Brave New World*, Aldous Huxley crafts a dystopian future where society is meticulously controlled through technological and psychological conditioning. The World State enforces stability by predetermining individuals’ roles, suppressing emotions, and promoting superficial happiness. Citizens are bred in hatcheries and indoctrinated to uphold the system, while pleasure and consumption replace deeper human experiences. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the cost of utopian ideals, challenging the reader to reflect on the price of a perfectly ordered world.The society’s elimination of pregnancy and STI risks has led to a culture of sexual liberation. John, a Native, becomes infatuated with Lenina Crowne but ultimately takes his own life, unable to reconcile with her uninhibited sexuality. This tragic outcome implies that such freedom comes at the cost of a fundamental human element.
Another instance critiques modern media through satire. Prior to taking his own life, John isolates himself in a lighthouse, engaging in self-flagellation to cleanse himself of societal corruption. Unbeknownst to him, his actions are covertly recorded. Upon the film’s release, the public becomes fixated on John and his eccentric conduct. This scenario mirrors society’s obsession with information, often at the expense of personal privacy. Though Huxley penned this novel long before social media existed, the current culture of incessantly documenting lives for attention and entertainment raises the question: how prophetic was his vision?
Mastering the Art of Satirical Writing
What enabled history’s greatest satirists to create such impactful literary pieces? Beyond their sharp intellects and astute political observations, these writers adhered to specific guidelines. Discover how to craft a satire by following these five essential steps.
1. How to Write Satire: Learn and master the methods used in satire
Mastering satire as a genre can be challenging, underscoring the importance of approaching it with a writer’s perspective. Examine the satire examples provided in this article and study how the following techniques are utilized:
- Realism
- Irony
- Hyperbole
- Tone
- Subtlety
- Pushing Logic to Its Limits
- Contrasting Mismatched Elements
When used with precision, these satirical components come together to craft stories that are sharp, impactful, and hilariously entertaining.
2. Crafting Satire: Start by selecting a subject or problem you want to mock or critique through humor.
Satire has the power to address and critique both domestic concerns and worldwide matters.*The Canterbury Tales* recounts the journey of a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Along the way, they share stories to pass the time, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval society through their varied tales. Chaucer’s work blends humor, satire, and moral reflection, showcasing the complexities of human nature across different social classes. The framing device of the pilgrimage unites the narratives, creating a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives.mocks the tales and figures that were influential in medieval England; on the other hand,In *Brave New World*, Aldous Huxley crafts a dystopian future where society is meticulously controlled through technological and psychological conditioning. The novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the cost of stability, presenting a world where happiness is manufactured at the expense of human depth and authenticity. Set in a futuristic London, the story follows characters like Bernard Marx and John the Savage as they grapple with the dehumanizing effects of a world obsessed with efficiency and superficial pleasure. Huxley’s vision remains a powerful critique of totalitarianism and the dangers of sacrificing humanity for progress.challenges the Western perspective on utopia and the trajectory of worldwide civilization.
No matter which topic you select, conduct thorough research. Grasping the supporting and opposing viewpoints on a particular issue, along with the rationale behind them, is essential. This enables you to push those arguments to their limits, weakening the persuasive tactics employed by those advocating for the stance you oppose.
For instance, suppose you aimed to craft a satirical piece about eliminating the penny from U.S. currency. One supporting point might be that doing so could help reduce inflation. You could then push this idea to its absurd conclusion. Picture a nation where every coin is minted from solid gold, sparking widespread clashes over loose change. Alternatively, envision a country where the smallest bill is $10, leading once more to chaotic struggles for smaller denominations.
3. Crafting Satire: Develop a storyline
After selecting a topic and establishing your position, craft a narrative that challenges the opposing argument you aim to counter.
The craft of storytelling, along with components such as character, plot, and setting, can be highly effective. Take, for instance, this short Horatian satire from The Onion: “‘This City. These People. All Sheep, And I Am Their Shepherd,’ Says Eric Adams, Gazing Upon New York.”
NEW YORK—With his hands clasped behind his back and his eyes fixed on Manhattan’s famed skyline, New York mayor Eric Adams allegedly remarked, “This city. These people. All sheep, and I am their shepherd,” during a lengthy speech Wednesday. “Only I stand as the barrier between order and chaos, leading these lost, sorrowful crowds out of the shadows and into the light,” Adams declared, his gaze reportedly drifting to the streets below as he reflected on the privilege they had to exist within his benevolent grasp. “Without my strength, without my resolve, every one of these 8 million lives would be doomed to suffer and perish in a tangled, filthy abyss of despair. As they teeter on the edge of ruin, they cry out for the sole arbiter of their fate: to me, to their guardian, to New York’s most generous savior, to Eric Adams!” According to sources at press time, Adams had returned to his New Jersey residence for the evening.
New Yorkers are famously known for their disdain toward the mayor—it’s practically a given. Now, let’s break down what this article is accomplishing:
The problem:At the point when this article was published, Adams had served as NYC mayor for slightly more than four months. During this period, he has maintained a strong media presence, though his statements about the city and his leadership often come across as somewhat self-promoting. In a recent video address, he declared, “I will not rest until the peace we are owed transforms into the life we live.” The concern, however, is that the mayor’s rhetoric may lack substance—particularly when his language tends to be excessively dramatic.
The satire: This piece heightens the dramatic tension, pushing Adams’ address to its most exaggerated conclusion. The satirical take on his theatricality elevates him to a near-divine status, positioning him as the deciding force between “order and chaos,” between “life and death.” He is portrayed as “the sole individual whose impulses dictate [New York City’s] fate.”
The narrative:This piece presents Adams in a somewhat exaggerated manner. A caricature simplifies a character, rendering them one-dimensional and exaggerated for the audience’s amusement. In this case, the narrative depicts Adams delivering a lengthy monologue before retreating to his apartment outside NYC, framing the story’s structure as a satirical reflection of his leadership style: heavy on rhetoric, light on execution.
4. Crafting Satire: Catch Your Audience Off Guard
Every piece of satire relies on an unexpected element. If the audience can predict the narrative’s direction, it fails to amuse or challenge them effectively. Therefore, a satirical work must include a twist, even if that twist only unfolds in the last line.
Notice the unexpected turns in the satire examples mentioned earlier. In “A Modest Proposal,” the twist lies in the core idea: suggesting that ending Ireland’s economic struggles could involve eating one-year-old children. InThe OnionEric Adams makes headlines, but the surprising detail is that he returns to New Jersey each night.
The turn of events must not only catch the reader off guard but also drive home a specific satirical point. Clarity is key—know exactly what you’re ridiculing or condemning, as this will shape your twist and ensure a strong, effective conclusion.
5. Crafting Satire: Refine for Precision and Humor
Can you enhance your story with more irony, exaggeration, or realism? Are you skillfully contrasting unrelated elements in inventive ways? Is the target of your satire unmistakable? Keep these questions in mind while revising: the aim is to twist reality just so the reader recognizes it as satire, while maintaining hyperbole and irony, even if the tone leans more toward Juvenalian than Horatian.
Master the Art of Writing Satire with Writers.com
Want to add humor to your perspective on the world? The teachers at Writers.com are ready to guide you in refining your satirical pieces. Explore our upcoming writing classes and craft witty stories and books with the support of our acclaimed instructors.
Sean Glatch
Post navigation
2 Remarks
Great job on the presentation, Sean. It inspired me with structural concepts for a series of poems and epistles inspired by Horace and Juvenal. I once wrote a parody of Voltaire’s *Candide*, titled *The Alchemy of Happiness*—a name borrowed from a 10th-century Muslim scholar’s book.
This piece was highly enlightening. I had no prior awareness of how such a literary creation could incorporate so many sophisticated concepts. Never have I needed to engage so many abilities for a single satirical composition. It’s certainly activating various areas of my mind.
Ian Close Dawkins Moore at 1:26 am on May 19, 2023
Great job on the presentation, Sean. It inspired me with some organizational concepts for a series of poems and letters in the style of Horace and Juvenal. I once wrote a satirical take on Voltaire’s Candide, titled *The Alchemy of Happiness*—a name borrowed from a 10th-century Muslim scholar’s work.
Victoria M at 4:13 am on June 24, 2024
This piece was incredibly enlightening. I had no idea such a literary work could incorporate so many sophisticated concepts. Never have I needed to draw on so many abilities for a single satirical composition. It’s certainly engaging multiple facets of my mind.