Satire
A mode that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize and expose human folly.
Satire holds vices, hypocrisies, or social ills up for ridicule, often to prompt reflection or reform. Writers use irony, parody, and exaggeration to make their critique sharp and memorable. Beneath the comedy usually lies a serious moral or political point.
Example
Maupassant’s tale gently satirizes social vanity, showing how Mathilde’s craving for status and appearances brings about her own downfall.
The Necklace · Guy de Maupassant
See it in action
Analyses on StoryBites that use satire:
The Lady, or the Tiger?Frank StocktonThe Legend of Sleepy HollowWashington IrvingHarrison BergeronKurt VonnegutThe Secret Life of Walter MittyJames ThurberThe NoseNikolai GogolThe Bride Comes to Yellow SkyStephen CraneThe Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras CountyMark TwainThe Man That Corrupted HadleyburgMark TwainThe Adventures of Huckleberry FinnMark Twain
Related terms
IronyA gap between appearance and reality, or between what is said or expected and what is actually meant or happens.Verbal IronyWhen a speaker says one thing but means the opposite, often for emphasis or mockery.ToneThe author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.