What is satire? Satire is when authors use humor or exaggeration on issues that are serious like politics. Satire can be compared to the use of sarcasm, to further a point. Satire can be found in various art forms. In the 18th century, we see satire used to discuss issues of class. Writers exaggerated one side of the spectrum of class to help others better understand the other or vice versa. There were also other types of satire that were more directed to the behaviors of others. Each use of satire is unique in its own regard.
In “A Modest Proposal,” by Jonathan Swift, Swift introduces a real problem and offers realistic solutions. Swift address Ireland's poverty problem. The first hint of satire we gather is from the title itself and the subheading. The proposal of Swift’s offering is anything, but modest. The subheading is, “A Modest Proposal for preventing the children of poor people in Ireland from being a burden to their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the public.” From the subheading, we can gather that Swift’s proposal has to do with the children of Ireland. Although, the solution he offers is outlandish. Swift suggests that all the impoverished people of Ireland should
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Dryden intended to inform his peer, Thomas Shadwell of the way others perceive him. Dryden also intends for the reader to learn and avoid similar behavior. His humor can be seen even in the subheading. The full title is Mac Flecknoe or a satire upon the True-Blue-Protestant Poet, T. S. Dryden begins the poem by crowing Shadwell the king of the realm of nonsense. The crown may be seen as a blessing, but Dryden uses it so Shadwell knows how he and others perceive him. Dryden attacks Shadwell’s writing and character. Throughout, Dryden is mocking Shadwell. He used a new type of satire, one in which the writer not only exaggerates things but ironically builds the character up in a condescending