Madi Masterson

AP English 11
Satirical Works
Satire is described as the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose
and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary
politics and other topical issues. It has been commonly used since 5000 BC by the Greeks
in satirical dramas performed in a theatre to present issues to the common people.
Although sometimes spiteful, the main purpose of satire is to provoke improvement.
Most satire occurs in literature; however it can be portrayed in many different forms such
as TV, film, political cartoons, and music.
In Jonathan Swifts satirical suggestion, A Modest Proposal, he questions the
morality of the wealthy versus their greed. Poverty in Britain, at an all time high, lined
the streets with beggars and starving children. All this commotion upset the upper-class;
therefore Swift argues that the children should be eaten like animals. He backs up his
argument stating a year old child is "a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome Food;
whether Stewed, Roasted, Baked, or Boiled (Swift 9) as a delicacy for the rich. Although
he works to prove a strong point, the underlying meaning is the unnecessary greed of the
rich and how it affects society as they lack morals. The argument is supposed to be so
appalling and inhumane that the readers know from the start that it is a satirical work
indirectly criticizing the wealthy. With a solemn, dark tone, Swift seeks to reform society
and facilitate the poor. The sarcastic statements within the proposal such as it is a
melancholy object to those who walk through this great town, or travel in the country,
when they see the streets, the roads, and cabin doors crowded with beggars (Swift 1)
question whether it is a melancholy object for him, having to see homeless citizens every
day, or for the beggars lifestyle? Upon first reading this, one may be led to believe that
Swift is a compassionate writer attempting to feel the ache of the beggars, but as the story
continues, a reader can look back and note that he is using a sarcastic tone and the only
sad sight that he sees is the fact that people of his status have to deal with commoners on
the streets. Swifts essay aims to fill readers with udder disgust, almost in a humorous
manner in order to reform the greed of the wealthy.
Both of Edward O. Wilsons essays excerpted from The Future of Life directly
and critically satirize the arguments of Environmentalists and People-First critics, in
order to criticize both sides for attacking each other indirectly rather than addressing the
issues straightforwardly. Wilson uses passionate tones for both essays to prove their
loyalty to their case. The use of two opposing perspectives allows readers to realize how
parallel each sides arguments are, and that both sides contribute to the inaction on
environmental issues. Through satire, Wilson generalizes and stereotypes both sides of
the discussion, which contribute to Wilsons point that both sides essentially are arguing
the same issue, just with different specific details. Both essays begin by applying name
calling, The People-First Critic calling the Environmentalists names such as, greens,
environmental extremists, or environmental whackos, while the Environmentalist
Critic calling their opponent brown lashers or sagebrush rebels. They also affirm the

worst possible outcome if the other side were to gain power, which contributes to how
Wilson satirizes the groups use of language to successfully rid of any hope of
compromise for either side. Wilson aims to change this endless fight by coming to a
conclusion and similar ideals between the groups. Humor underlies within the essays
because the audience knows neither side is going to win, and is slightly extreme about
their beliefs.
The Onion is another satirical source that most people read for entertainment, but
it is also sought to reform society. In the article Man Looks On Helplessly As Friend
Tells Him Story Hes Already Heard, the website aspires to make everyday happenings
seem exhilarating, although society deals with them on a daily basis. In this specific
article, a common man is regretful for letting his friend drag on a story he has already
heard before, complete with the exact same inflections and made the same pauses for
emphasis (line 7). This website indirectly satirizes these stories by presenting emphasis
on not-so-exciting news. The main goal is to get actual news to report on more important
subject matters, rather than Kim Kardashian. Underlying humor is present as the articles
are clearly so satirical that its humorous.
Satirical works are mainly used to criticize a group of people or ideals, but always
with the intention of bringing positive change. In all three works described, satire was
present in order to revolutionize society, whether it is present or 5000 BC. Successful
satire and sarcasm will alter problems, while also making the readers or viewers laugh.