Satire is the use of humor, exaggeration and irony to express human vices or foolishness. It is often used in the political arena or as a way to criticize government policy. There are two main types of satire: Horatian and Juvenalian.
- Horatian satire is more tolerant and humorous; its main purpose is to amuse. Juvenalian tends to be more serious.
- Horatian satire tends to be more witty.
- Juvenalian satire focuses on personal anger, and attacks vices such as hypocrisy and corruption.
- The language in a Juvenalian satire, while funny, can also be bitter and pessimistic.
Two works that are well-known examples of satire are:
- "The R a p e of the Lock" by Alexander Pope. This is an example of Horatian satire. This narrative poem tells the story of a woman who gets a lock of hair stolen from her. However, the story is told as a Greek epic, contrasting the absurdity of the event with its exaggerated style. It is humorous, while slightly critical of the social behaviour of the upper classes.
- "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is a satire that argues that the problems of Irish poverty would be solved if Irish parents sold their children as food for the rich classes. The language is a lot more poignant and reprobatory, and its hidden message is one of indignation. It is an example of a Juvenalian satire.
