Satire is a literary genre that exposes or ridicules human vices, follies, abuses, or shortcomings through humor, irony, or exaggeration. It is a form of social criticism that aims to shame or discredit its targets. Satire can be found in various mediums, including literature, drama, visual arts, and performing arts. Some key features of satire include:
-
Ridicule: Satire uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to ridicule its targets.
-
Social criticism: Satire aims to criticize and expose flaws in individuals, corporations, government, or society itself.
-
Constructive purpose: 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 has been used in literature for centuries, and examples of satire can be found as far back as ancient Greece. Some famous satirists include Voltaire, Molière, and Alexander Pope.
