Satire is a genre of literature, film, and performing arts that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize human follies, vices, abuses, and shortcomings. Unlike general comedy, which aims primarily to entertain, satire often has a higher, constructive purpose: to hold up to ridicule the perceived flaws of individuals, corporations, government, or society itself in an attempt to spark reflection or improvement.

Key Characteristics and Techniques
Constructive Criticism: The ultimate goal is often to provoke thought, encourage self-reflection, or inspire social change.

"Punching Up": Effective satire usually targets those in power—such as politicians or institutions—rather than marginalized groups.

Techniques: Satirists use specific tools, including:
Irony: Highlighting the inconsistency between what is said and what is meant, or between expectations and reality.

Exaggeration/Hyperbole: Stretching a situation to absurd extremes to emphasize its flaws.

Parody: Imitating a specific style, person, or genre to make it look ridiculous.

Reversal: Switching the roles of authority and subordinate, or placing things in absurd, opposing contexts.

Types of Satire
Horatian Satire: Lighthearted, witty, and gentle, this form pokes fun at human absurdities with a smile (e.g., The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde).

Juvenalian Satire: Harsh, bitter, and direct, this type expresses strong moral indignation and contempt for corruption (e.g., A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift).

Menippean Satire: Often chaotic orformless, this form targets mental attitudes, social norms, and specific worldviews rather than just individuals (e.g., Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll).