Satire

Definition

Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms. It often aims to expose the flaws and absurdities within its subjects, encouraging reflection and change. In literature, satire serves to entertain while also provoking thought about moral and social issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer's use of satire is evident in The Canterbury Tales, where he critiques various social classes and their behaviors through humor and irony.
2. The character portraits Chaucer presents often reveal deeper truths about society, exposing hypocrisy and folly while entertaining readers.
3. Satire in Chaucer's works reflects the complexities of medieval life, addressing themes like corruption within the church and societal norms surrounding marriage.
4. Chaucer’s innovative approach allowed him to blend serious themes with comedic elements, making his critiques more accessible and engaging.
5. The use of satire in The Canterbury Tales has influenced countless writers after Chaucer, establishing a tradition of social commentary through humor.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer utilize satire to critique social classes in The Canterbury Tales?
  • Chaucer employs satire by creating vivid character portraits that exaggerate traits and behaviors of various social classes. For instance, the Prioress's affected manners highlight the absurdity of her pretensions, revealing hypocrisy in religious devotion. This critical lens allows readers to recognize the flaws within societal structures while also providing entertainment through humor.
• In what ways does Chaucer's use of satire challenge the traditional views on marriage and women's roles in medieval society?
  • Chaucer's satire challenges traditional views on marriage by portraying women as complex individuals with desires and agency. Through tales like The Wife of Bath’s Prologue, he humorously critiques societal expectations while revealing the nuances of female experience. This approach not only entertains but also invites readers to reconsider medieval attitudes towards women and their roles.
• Analyze how Chaucer’s satirical elements contribute to his literary legacy and influence on later writers.
  • Chaucer's satirical elements significantly shaped his literary legacy by establishing a model for using humor as a tool for social critique. His ability to blend entertainment with incisive commentary influenced later writers like Shakespeare and Swift, who adopted similar techniques in their works. By addressing moral and social issues through satire, Chaucer laid the groundwork for a rich tradition of literature that continues to explore societal flaws while engaging audiences.

Related terms

irony:

A figure of speech in which the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words used, often highlighting contradictions in a humorous or critical way.

parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular writer, genre, or work, exaggerating characteristics to create a comic effect.

allegory: A narrative in which characters and events symbolize broader concepts and ideas, often conveying moral or political messages through symbolism.