Satirical Devices Lit Glossary

Satirical Devices and Techniques

Table of CONTEXT

Absurdity ……………………………………………………………………... 1

Exaggeration ……………………………………………………………..….. 2

Farce ……………………………………………………………………..…... 3

Irony …………………………………………………………………………... 4

Malapropism ……………………………………………………………….... 5

Sarcasm ……………………………………………………………………... 6

Travesty ……………………………………………………………………….7

Understatement …………………………………………………………….. 8

Farce
Definition:
Light humorous play, exciting laughter through exaggerated, improbable situations. Usually contains low comedy: fighting, horseplay, trickery, drunkenness.
Elaborate:
A not super serious kind of a satire, but it has a playful light on it.
Exemplify:
"No Shutdown on Government ‘Selfies’"
When we had our Government shutdown, many government offices were shut down due to lack of approval on the government programs budget for the upcoming fiscal year on the behalf of the House of republicans, they insisted on any new spending bill include provisions to either defund, derail or otherwise chip away at Obama care. During that time, some politicians withdrew their pay for the time being and many jokes were made including the selfies taken by politicians & being posted
Illustrate:
There was controversy where politicians were taking part in a social phenomenon known as ‘selfies.’ This action is on the rise even in government circles.

Sarcasm
Definition:
The use of Irony to mock or convey contempt.
Elaborate:
Sarcasm is a sharp or statement which is like a taunt, meant to drive a point home. It can be meant to give pain and can include irony. Sarcasm is used to make a point and can be funny, it’s like a harsh or bitter derision.
Exemplify:
Oscar Wilde wrote, “I am not young enough to know everything.”
The quote by Oscar Wilde, who is self reflecting on himself and admitting in his literature with a twist incorporating sarcasm that
Often times, the youth in particular claim they have