The Definition Of Satire Analysis

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The New World Encyclopedia describes satire as a form of writing that uses methods and elements such as irony, wit, and sarcastic humor to draw attention to or make a point about, issues that plague the world or area in which we live. The issues pointed out by these works tend to pertain to human nature and the actions of other people that the author views as anything from silly to reprehensible (“Satire”). As Professor and academic author Matthew Hodgart describes, “The perennial topic of satire is the human condition itself….[satire] has its origin in a state of mind which is critical and aggressive, usually one of irritation at the latest examples of human absurdity, inefficiency or wickedness” (12). Meghan LeBoeuf from University of Rhode Island outlines the elements that qualify as satire to include critique, irony (generally of the humerus variety), and implicitness (3). Some controversy has arisen about the definition, as the etymology of the word “satire” can be traced back to the word satura, which is found in Greek, Roman, and Latin. The latin word is not …show more content…
As stated by Hodgart, “there are many ways of looking at life, and satire’s one of them. To respond to the world with a mixture of laughter and indignation is perhaps not the noblest way...but it is the way of satire” (12). Professor and Journalist Jim R. Kittle argues that the intent behind satire is to poke fun at the absurd actions of people in order to encourage changes. He states that the “satirist” believes in the inherent virtue of the reader and is under the impression that with a bit of a verbal nudge, positive change is possible and even likely (2). LeBoeuf further expands on this idea by describing it as a “powerful art form” that, in addition to other previously mentioned goals, aims to entertain as well as discuss absurdities in human actions