Satire: The use of ridicule and humor

to shed light on problems in society.

Satire reflects truth.

Why are politics ripe for satire?

What about education?

Stiff deals with serious topics in a humorous manner.However, Mary Roach’s purpose is to explore and reveal, not to shed light on a problem in society.

Consider the possible topics discussed in the book that can be or have been satirized.

The objective is to think critically about what actual social problems and ills might relate to the topic of death, plastic surgery, cloning, and other topics explored in the novel. What can or should be done about these social problems?

Disclaimer: the intent is not to dismiss the seriousness of death, organ donations, accidents, or the like.

https://youtu.be/xXMUD-IEi90

“Doctor Recalls Average-Looking Sibling Who Inspired Him To Go Into Cosmetic Surgery”(April 2014 The Onion)1.33 min.

The broadcast satirizes what? Define the social problem(s).Identify the truth. Determine potential solutions.

https://youtu.be/MGXSPf9b-xI

“Brain-Dead Teen, Only Capable Of Rolling Eyes And Texting, To Be Euthanized”(Feb. 2012 The Onion)

3.4 min

The broadcast satirizes what?

What rhetorical devices convey the satire?

Define the social problem(s).

Identify the truth.

Determine potential solutions.

Rhetorical devices often used to convey satire:

Hyperbole

Incongruity: (out of place/not often associated with setting/background/people)

Ex: President Obama standing in line at McDonald’s.

Ironic reversal: audience expects character to say/resemble/act one way, but is presented in an opposite manner

Ex: Kanye West acting bashful.

an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.

produce a humorously exaggerated imitation of a writer/artist/genre.

Princess Fiona fights and successfully defeats Robin Hood and all of his Merry Men without

help or weapons.

Princess Fiona uses ponytail to punch merry man. While frozen in a mid-air martial arts kick,

Princess Fiona pauses to fix her disheveled hair.

Exaggerated imitation of martial arts genre found in The Matrix, Charlie’s Angels.

Unexpected in a fairytale.

Hero and damsel in distress roles are reversed.

Princess Fiona fights and defeats the enemy while Shrek just stands there.

1. Media influences continue to stress that men rescue, and women need rescuing. (Men= heroic, handsome, willingly sacrifice self or risk danger. The women = beautiful and in distress.)

2. Hollywood movies romanticize truth (special effects, sunset, music, costume).

3. Social stereotypes based on gender, race, culture, size, presumed characteristics: Robin Hood and his Merry Men assumed that Shrek, an ogre, must have kidnapped Fiona.

https://youtu.be/_WyD94vNqWg

3 min (Twins 1988)

The movie Twins satirically explores the topic of creating a perfect human specimen using in vitro fertilization. In the movie, the researchers are dismayed because the experiment resulted in unexpected twins.

The movie satirizes what?

Define the social problem(s).

Identify the truth.

Determine potential solutions.

https://youtu.be/SH2XDPI5664

2:27 min.

The movie Multiplicity satirically explores the consequences of cloning.

A man who feels pulled in several directions in life creates a clone of himself to complete tasks, so that he may take a break. The clone creates clones.

The movie satirizes what?Define the social problem(s).Identify the truth. Determine potential solutions.

Choose two to discuss closely.

Consider:

• The associated social problem(s).

• The truth.

• Potential solutions.

• Share with class

• You will create a satirical piece to share with peers relating to a topic associated with/mentioned in the novel.

• Details to follow.