Satire, Irony, Humor

terms you need to know

Term / Definition / Examples / Purpose of device
Satire / A literary work that ridicules its subject through the use of techniques such as exaggeration, reversal, incongruity, and/or parody in order to make a comment or criticism about it.
Exaggeration:
(Hyperbole) / To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous or its faults can be clearly seen and openly mocked.
Juxtaposition / Intentionally putting two elements that don’t belong together (or are opposite) side by side for emphasis.
Incongruity / To present things those are out of place or are absurd in relation to its surroundings.
Reversal: / To present the opposite of the normal order (e.g., the order of events, hierarchical order).
Parody: / To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing.
Understatement / Expressing an idea with less emphasis or in a lesser degree than is the actual case. The opposite of hyperbole. Understatement is employed for ironic emphasis
Caricature / Caricature" is the exaggeration of the traits of a person or type
Irony / Dramatic- when the audience or reader has more information that the character
Situational-when the opposite of what is expected happens
Verbal-Implying the opposite of what is said
Farce / A light dramatic work in which highly improbable plot situations, exaggerated characters, and often slapstick elements are used for humorous effect. A ludicrous mockery
Sarcasm / When a speaker says the opposite of what he/she means in order to make a point or belittle something or someone; biting humor at another’s expense. Sarcasm is not always ironic. Sarcasm is always intentional while irony can happen spontaneously.
Double Entendre
Pun / Use of phrasing or words that could have a double meaning, and the second meaning is usually understood; double entendres are often sexually suggestive.
Cliché / Overused, hackneyed phrases, plots, characters, situations, etc.
Slapstick / A boisterous form of comedy marked by chases, collisions, and crude practical jokes. Very physical, silly, “cheap laughs” comedy.
Anachronism / an object or person that appears outside of its designated and appropriate time period
Allusion / A reference to another: artistic piece, historical figure or event, culture icon or event, political figure or event. It is ways has added meaning and purpose
Burlesque / A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by presenting a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. Similar to caricature, it is a ludicrous or mocking imitation. The term can also refer to a variety show characterized by broad gross sexual comedy, dancing, and striptease.
High Comedy / Humor that appeals to thought or intellect. It is a subtle, witty kind of humor that often makes fun of society or social norms. This humor would likely make a reader grin or chuckle as opposed to offer a full fledge belly laugh. This type of humor often uses verbal irony and reversal as a means of satire.
Low Comedy / Humor that utilizes farce, slapstick, burlesque, and physical comedy. It requires little to no thought on the part of the reader and is funny in an obvious way. It might well be described as "laugh out loud" comedy.