Elements of Satire Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is ridicule?

The objective of satire, presenting the target as absurd, preposterous, or laughable.

What does sarcasm mean?

A caustic and bitter expression of disapproval masquerading as praise.

Define irony.

The use of words to express something completely different from the literal meaning.

What is exaggeration in the context of satire?

Putting emphasis on the target's unfavorable characteristics through overstatement. Signup and view all the answers

Explain juxtaposition.

Uses comparison to highlight either similarities or differences. Signup and view all the answers

What does incongruity refer to?

To present things which are out of place or are absurd in relation to the surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

Define understatement.

To make something seem small or trivial; intentional downsizing of a large target or subject. Signup and view all the answers

What is parody?

Attacks pieces of literature, music, and artwork, using the attack as criticism to convey a viewpoint. Signup and view all the answers

What does diminution mean in satire?

Makes the target appear smaller and more ludicrous. Signup and view all the answers

Define satire.

A genre of literature that ridicules vices, follies, abuses and shortcomings with intent to shame. Signup and view all the answers

What is Horatian satire?

Playfully criticizes some social vice through gentle, mild, and light-hearted humor. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Juvenalian satire.

More contemptuous and abrasive than Horatian satire; a direct attack on the subject. Signup and view all the answers

What is Menippean satire?

A harsh resolve that relies on inappropriate ideas to scathe its subjects; chaotic and difficult to determine the object of satire. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Elements of Satire

Ridicule: Central to satire, aiming to demonstrate the absurdity of the target through humor.
Sarcasm: A sharp, often ironic expression of disapproval, presented as praise, highlighting hypocrisy.
Irony: A rhetorical device where the intended meaning contrasts starkly with the literal interpretation.
Exaggeration: Amplifies the negative traits of the subject to emphasize faults, creating a humorous impact.
Juxtaposition: Compares and contrasts elements to underscore their similarities or differences, enhancing satirical effect.
Incongruity: Shows elements that are out of place or nonsensical in their context, generating humor through absurdity.
Understatement: Minimizes the significance of an issue, making substantial subjects seem trivial and ludicrous.
Parody: Imitates other works to criticize and convey a specific viewpoint, often serving as a vehicle for satire.
Diminution: Shrinks the perceived importance of the target, portraying it as smaller and ludicrous.

Types of Satire

Satire: A literary genre focused on ridiculing vices and shortcomings, aiming to provoke thought and accountability.
Horatian Satire: Gentle and playful critique of societal flaws, utilizing light-hearted humor.
Juvenalian Satire: More aggressive and scornful than Horatian, often attacking the subject directly.
Menippean Satire: Chaotic and harsh, combining various ideas to critique subjects in unconventional ways.

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in satire with these flashcards. Explore terms like ridicule, sarcasm, irony, and exaggeration, all of which are essential in the study of satirical literature and criticism. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.