Understanding Satire

Presentation by Katie Holbrook

Adapted by: Shakira Guillory
What is satire?
 Satire: The use of humor to attack or ridicule
something, such as a person, habit, idea, institution,
society, or custom that is, or is considered to be,
foolish, flawed, or wrong.
 The goal of satire is to improve society and/or
behavior.
 Satire attempts through humor and laughter to inspire
individuals, institutions, and humankind to improve or
to encourage its readers to put pressure on
individuals and institutions so that they may be
improved for the benefit of all.

 IN OTHER WORDS: A satire makes fun of

something or someone in order to make a point.
Satirical “Advertisement” Analysis
 Look at the satirical advertisement on the
next slide and ask yourself:

 What or who is the subject of the ad?

 What comment is the ad making about

society, or about people who choose to
eat at McDonalds?
Satirical Ad:
Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack
 What comment is the
satire making?

 Big Macs and

McDonald’s food are
unhealthy and will
eventually kill you by
giving you a heart
attack.
Satirical Techniques
 There are certain techniques that satirists
(writers of satire) use to create satire.
Satirical Techniques
 Hyperbole is also
known as (Exaggeration)
 Definition: To enlarge,
increase, or represent
something beyond normal
bounds so that it becomes
ridiculous and its faults can be
seen.

 A form of exaggeration is
called Caricature: the
exaggerating of physical traits
Satirical Techniques
 Parody
 Definition: To imitate
the techniques and/or
style of some person,
place, or thing in order
to ridicule the original.
Parody of Rick James

The real Rick James

Satirical Techniques
 Reversal
 Definition: To present
the opposite of the
normal order.
 Reversal can focus on:
 The order of events
 Hierarchical order
Satirical Techniques
 Oxymoron is also
known as
Contradiction
 Definition: To present things
that are out of place or are wildly
unreasonable, illogical, or
inappropriate in relation to its
surroundings.
Satirical Techniques
Other techniques:
a. Listing things
b. Silly or funny words
c. Sarcasm, which is a form of verbal irony
d. Understatement: writer conveys (shows) less
importance/passion for a particular subject that
would seem to demand more attention
e. Pun: a play on words for a humorous (funny) effect
Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack
 What techniques does
the satire use?

 Parody: the ad makes

fun of the slogan “Big
Mac Attack” by
changing its meaning
from wanting a Big
Mac to dying from a
heart attack
Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack
 What techniques does
the satire use?

 Contradiction: the
McDonald’s golden
arch or “M” is used on
a heart monitor
instead of where we
normally see it (on
signs, on ads, etc)
Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack
 What techniques does
the satire use?

 Exaggeration: while
Big Macs are
definitely unhealthy,
one Big Mac will not
cause a heart attack.
Most likely,
McDonald’s food is
not the only cause of
a person’s heart
attack.
What do Satirists attack?
 7 Deadly Sins:  Other Vices (immoral
1. Pride or wicked behavior):
2. Greed  Stupidity
3. Violence  Poor decision making
4. Laziness  Prejudice
5. Lust  Self-centeredness
6. Jealousy  Selfishness
7. Gluttony  Corruption
 Wastefulness
 Hypocrisy
 Dishonesty
Assignment:
 You will analyze satirical ads to determine:
 The subject of the satire
 The comment the satire is making
 The technique(s) the satire uses to make its
point

 Why? Satire is prevalent in our culture and a

critical way that people make statements
about our world. Analyzing it in ads will
prepare us to analyze satire in writing as well
as to create our own satiric cartoons.
 Complete a sheet of
notebook paper & attach to
Directions: these notes when complete

1. First, you will see the original advertisement.

2. Second, you will see the satire of the advertisement or company.
3. Write:
 The subject matter of the satire
 The comment the satire is trying to communicate
 List all of the technique(s) used to satirize:
 From the list you create, select ONLY ONE technique and

explain the satire being used

 Briefly explain (2-3 sentences) why you think the
advertisement is either effective or not effective? Meaning, is
the advertisement satire strong enough to persuade some
people, or to make them think about the subject matter and
change their views on it? Why or why not?
Satirical Ad #1 – original ad
 Satirical Ad #1

1. Subject of the
satire:

2. Comment the
satire is making:

3. Technique(s):
Satirical Ad #2 – original ad
 Satirical Ad #2

1. Subject of the
satire:

2. Comment the
satire is making:

3. Technique(s):
Satirical Ad #3 - original
 Satirical Ad #3
“Less cars, more world. Rivers
wanted.”
1. Subject of the
satire:

2. Comment the
satire is making:

3. Technique(s):
Satirical Ad #4 – original ad
 Satirical Ad #4

1. Subject of the
satire:

2. Comment the
satire is making:

3. Technique(s):
Satirical #5 – original ad
 Satirical Ad #5

1. Subject of the
satire:

2. Comment the
satire is making:

3. Technique(s):
Extra Time?
 If we have extra time, we will also analyze the
following ads.

 If not, turn in your assignment for a grade.