Elements of Satire Flashcards

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.