Holding up a mirror to society with satire

Roopa Banerjee

Imagine this: a comedian on a TV show pokes fun at a politician, mimicking his speechifying and exaggerating his contradictions. The audience bursts into laughter. But beneath the humour there’s criticism of the politician’s failure. This is satire at work — a blend of wit, irony, and exaggeration, aimed at exposing the flaws and follies of individuals or society at large.
Satire is a literary device, a genre that uses humour, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to critique and expose human vice or societal shortcomings. Its primary aim is not merely to entertain but to provoke thought, reflection, and, occasionally, reform.

The term satire originates from the Latin word satira, which initially referred to a poetic medley or a mixture of different elements. Interestingly, it had nothing to do with mockery at first. Roman writers Horace and Juvenal expanded its meaning, shaping satire into sharp social commentary. While Horace preferred gentle mockery to encourage reform, Juvenal’s style was far more scathing, leaving little doubt about his contempt for wrongdoings.

There are varied examples of satire in literature. Indeed, most works of literature give readers a scathing account of the era in which it was written. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift is an 18th-century masterpiece which is more than a fantasy adventure. Describing the bizarre countries of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, and the land of the Houyhnhnms, Swift criticises British politics, science, and human nature itself. The tiny people of Lilliput, for instance, are obsessed with petty disputes such as the correct way to crack an egg — a not-so-subtle jab at the trivial controversies that plagued Swift’s England in those days.

Another striking example is Animal Farm by George Orwell. This allegorical novella is a brilliant example of political satire. The tale of farm animals overthrowing their human owner, only to find themselves under the oppressive rule of the pigs, is a powerful critique of the Russian Revolution and corruption of socialist ideals.

Popular culture continues to use satire to expose the hidden faultlines of our times. The Simpsons, a popular American television sitcom, is a searing commentary on American family life, consumerism, and politics. Two of the UK’s most popular satirical shows were Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister providing witty, insightful comments on the workings of government.

Through a perpetual tug-of-war between the well-meaning but often clueless minister and his brilliantly manipulative civil servant, the series satirises bureaucracy, political ambition, and the art of policy obfuseation.

Satire is deeply woven into our culture. From political cartoons in the morning newspaper to biting commentaries in television shows, it serves as entertainment and enlightenment. By holding a distorted mirror to our world, satire compels us to confront uncomfortable truths, simultaneously keeping us amused.

Satire plays an essential role in public discourse. By blending criticism with comedy, it stimulates reflection without being preachy. Good satire sparks conversations about justice, governance, social values, and even personal behaviour. Importantly, satire also offers a form of catharsis — a way for people to process frustration about endemic problems through laughter.

However, satire walks a fine line. For it to be effective, the audience must recognise exaggeration and understand the underlying truth. When done well, it enlightens and entertains in equal measure. When misunderstood, it risks being regarded as mere mockery or, worse, as endorsement of the very ideas it attempts to criticise.

Next time you chuckle at a satirical sketch or smile wryly at a biting cartoon, remember: behind the laughter lies a call to think, question, and, perhaps, action.

Exercise
Identify the authors of these books where satire plays a key role.

Books