Satire is a genre of literature, and sometimes graphic and performing arts, in which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, corporations, government or society itself, into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society.
Satire and irony in some cases have been regarded as the most effective source to understand a society, the oldest form of social study. They provide the keenest insights into a group's collective psyche, reveal its deepest values and tastes, and the society's structures of power.
For its nature and social role, satire has enjoyed in many societies a special freedom license to mock prominent individuals and institutions. The satiric impulse, and its ritualized expressions, carry out the function of resolving social tension. Institutions like the ritual clowns, by giving expression to the antisocial tendencies, represent a safety valve which reestablishes equilibrium and health in the collective imaginary, which are jeopardized by the repressive aspects of society.
- What is the purpose of satire?
- Why do you think some choose to write satire?
- What are the tools of satire?
- What are some of prominent examples of satire?
- If As I Lay Dying is a satire, what does it satirize?
Essay Topics:
- As I Lay Dying ridicules and satirizes often-revered traditions and institutions such as patriarchy and religion. Provide your analysis of this novel as a satire of a specific authority or value.
- Provide your character analysis of Anse Bundren, while paying particular attention to the way the text constructs him as an antihero.