Social satire

Definition

Social satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique and expose the flaws and absurdities in societal norms, behaviors, and institutions. It aims to provoke thought and inspire change by highlighting social injustices and moral failings, often targeting the elite or those in power. This form of satire connects deeply with the literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century, reflecting the changing attitudes of society during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. John Dryden was one of the early proponents of social satire, using it in his plays to critique political and social issues of his time.
2. Alexander Pope's 'The Rape of the Lock' serves as a prime example of social satire, where he critiques the vanity and moral corruption of the upper class through an exaggerated depiction of a trivial event.
3. William Wycherley’s comedies often employed social satire to expose the hypocrisy and immorality of Restoration society, focusing on themes like sexual politics and class distinctions.
4. George Etherege’s work also reflects social satire, particularly in his portrayal of courtly love and the superficiality of aristocratic life.
5. Satire during this period often blended wit with serious commentary, encouraging readers and audiences to reflect on their own societal values and behaviors.

Review Questions

• How does social satire function as a tool for critiquing societal norms in the works of Dryden and Pope?
  • Social satire serves as a powerful tool in the works of Dryden and Pope by allowing them to critique societal norms through humor and irony. For instance, Dryden used satirical elements in his plays to highlight the flaws within political structures, while Pope's 'The Rape of the Lock' ridicules the superficiality of aristocratic society. Their use of wit not only entertains but also provokes critical thinking about moral and ethical standards prevalent in their time.
• Discuss how Wycherley’s comedies utilize social satire to reflect the attitudes towards gender and class in Restoration England.
  • Wycherley's comedies employ social satire by exposing the hypocrisy surrounding gender roles and class dynamics in Restoration England. Through exaggerated characters and humorous situations, he critiques the manipulation and deceit often associated with romantic relationships among the upper classes. His portrayal of women's roles as both empowered yet constrained illustrates the complexities of societal expectations, encouraging audiences to reflect on the implications of such norms.
• Evaluate the impact of social satire on contemporary understandings of morality and ethics as reflected in Dryden's and Pope's literary critiques.
  • Social satire from Dryden and Pope has significantly influenced contemporary understandings of morality and ethics by challenging readers to confront societal absurdities. Their critiques often reveal underlying moral failings within political institutions and social hierarchies. This literary approach not only provides a lens for examining past societal values but also encourages ongoing discussions about ethical behavior in today's world, demonstrating that while times may change, the need for critical reflection on morality remains relevant.

Related terms

satirical comedy: A genre of comedy that uses humor to criticize societal norms and human vices, often through exaggerated characters and situations.

irony: A rhetorical device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used in satire to highlight contradictions in society.

mock-heroic: A satirical form that parodies epic poetry by treating trivial subjects with grandiose language and elevated style, revealing absurdities in human behavior.