What is satire?

What is satire?

• A. Uses sarcasm, irony, and humor as social criticism to lampoon human folly
• B. Is always crude humor
• C. Is a form of tragedy
• D. Focuses on historical accuracy

Answer: (A)

Satire uses humor, irony, and often sarcasm to criticize social norms, institutions, or human folly. It aims to expose flaws and prompt reflection or change, not just to entertain. Because of that, the best description is that satire lampoons problems through witty critique and exaggerated situations. It isn’t defined by crude humor, which is only one possible tone and not the defining feature. It isn’t a form of tragedy, since its purpose isn’t to evoke pity or fear, and it isn’t centered on historical accuracy—it's about using humor and critique to comment on real-world issues.

Satire uses humor, irony, and often sarcasm to criticize social norms, institutions, or human folly. It aims to expose flaws and prompt reflection or change, not just to entertain. Because of that, the best description is that satire lampoons problems through witty critique and exaggerated situations. It isn’t defined by crude humor, which is only one possible tone and not the defining feature. It isn’t a form of tragedy, since its purpose isn’t to evoke pity or fear, and it isn’t centered on historical accuracy—it's about using humor and critique to comment on real-world issues.