Satire and
allegory
Presentation by
Cristina A. Bazzell-Ciccotosto
What is satire
Satire uses humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize human vices,
follies, and shortcomings. It aims to bring about social criticism and change by drawing
attention to issues in society
Horatian satire
• Gentle
• aims to heal societal
issues through humor
• wit, exaggeration, and
self-deprecating humour
Juvenalian
satire
Menippean
satire
• Contemptuous +
Abrasive
• Complex
• Aims to provoke political
or societal change
• Deals with mental
attitudes
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• Rediculing scoietal
structures and
individuals
English 5G
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Why is satire
an effective
way to make a
point
Captures Attention: The humour and wit in satire grab
the audience's attention, making the underlying message
more memorable.
2.
Encourages Critical Thinking: By presenting issues in
a humorous or exaggerated manner, satire prompts the
audience to think critically about the subject matter.
3.
Disarms the Audience: The use of humour can disarm
people, making them more open to new ideas or critiques
they might otherwise resist.
4.
Amplifies Issues: Satire often uses exaggeration to
highlight the absurdities in society, making the issues
more evident and urgent.
5.
Universal Appeal: Satire can cross cultural and social
boundaries, making it a versatile tool for commentary and
change.
English 5G
7/9/2024
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What is an allegory
An allegory uses characters and events to symbolize complex ideas, often conveying moral
or political messages in an understandable way. Characters, places, or events represent
hidden meanings with moral or political significance.
Biblical
Allegory
Modern
Allegory
• Form acient times
• Found in religious texts
• Personifications
• Have spirituals/moral
lessons
• allegoresis
phenomenon
(allegories red into
stories even if not
intended by author)
Example:
Example:
Example:
Plato’s Allegory of the
Cave
Psalm 80 = Israel's
conquest + peopling of the
Promised Land.
George Orwell's "Animal
Farm" = Russian
Revolution ?
• Rooted in philosopical
or moral critiques
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Classical
Allegory
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