Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an

individual or a society, by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity
by criticizing its follies and foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which stand for real
people, to expose and condemn their corruption.

A writer may point a satire toward a person, a country, or even the entire world. Usually, a satire is a
comical piece of writing which makes fun of an individual or a society, to expose its stupidity and
shortcomings. In addition, he hopes that those he criticizes will improve their characters by overcoming
their weaknesses.

Types of Satire

Horatian Satire

Named after Roman satirist Horace (circa 1st century BC). This form of satire is playful and clever. There
is an incorporation of entertainment to make it more digestible universally with lighter tones of mockery
and wry humour.

It comments on human nature and its follies. There is a conscious effort to avoid overt negativity and
this makes it the softest and most tolerant form of satire. Example: Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of
Being Earnest, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Matthew Groening’s The Simpsons etc.

Juvenalian Satire

Named after Roman satirist Juvenal (circa 1st century AD). This form is more aggressive and vitriolic. It
was primarily used to accost religion, politicians, public figures etc. There is a profuse use of sarcasm and
the language is harsh and brazen.It is provocative but less humorous and entertaining. It carries a more
brooding and gruesome tone. Example: Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal, Lord Byron’s Don Juan,
George Orwell’s Animal Farm etc.

Menippean Satire

Named after Greek satirist Menippus (circa 3rd century BC). This is the oldest form of satire made
famous by eponymous Greek cynic.Even though it is rarer than the other two it offers a complete
departure from the social criticism used in them. It explores the psychology and mental sphere of
human understanding and dominant views of the age.