how do you write a satirical essay

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Mastering the art of writing a hilariously smart and witty satirical essay – tips, tricks, and techniques.

Embarking on a literary adventure that blends cunning humor and razor-sharp wit, satirical essays offer a refreshing escape from the mundane. With their clever wordplay and sly social commentary, these essays dance on the fine line between fiction and reality, challenging readers to question the absurdities of everyday life. Join us as we traverse the labyrinthine alleys of satire and explore the art of crafting thought-provoking and laughter-inducing prose.

Armed with irony as their weapon of choice, satirical essays take aim at conventional norms and societal absurdities, armed with sharp-witted prose that slices through hypocrisy. Through exaggerated storytelling, biting sarcasm, and unexpected twists, satirists challenge established powers and traditions, urging readers to question authority and seek truth beyond superficial appearances. Prepare to navigate a literary landscape that blurs the boundaries between humor and criticism, coaxing even the most skeptical of minds to ROFL (Roll On the Floor Laughing) and ponder upon societal follies.

Beyond their comedic allure, satirical essays often possess an undercurrent of social critique, with writers using laughter as a Trojan horse to smuggle insightful observations past our defenses. Like a master puppeteer, satirical writers manipulate language, satire their weapon to reveal the hidden fault lines of society’s facade. They unmask hypocrisy, expose contradictions, and coax readers into adopting fresh perspectives. So, sharpen your wit and tighten your belts, for we are about to embark on a satirical rollercoaster that will challenge your preconceptions and ignite the flames of satire within your very soul.

Understanding Satire

Satire is a literary tool that employs humor and irony to criticize and mock various aspects of society. It offers a unique perspective on societal issues by using wit, sarcasm, and exaggeration to expose the flaws and absurdities of human behavior, institutions, and beliefs.

Satire is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a form of social commentary. It challenges commonly accepted ideas and norms, presenting them in a way that highlights their inconsistencies and hypocrisies. Satire can be found in various forms of entertainment, including literature, film, television, and even political cartoons.

• Wit: Satire often relies on clever, quick-witted wordplay and puns to make its point. It uses language to create humorous and thought-provoking observations about society.
• Sarcasm: Satire frequently employs sarcasm to criticize and mock certain individuals, groups, or behaviors. It uses ironic statements to highlight the hypocrisy or foolishness of its targets.
• Exaggeration: Satire often relies on exaggeration to emphasize the flaws and absurdities it wishes to expose. By taking things to an extreme, it can effectively highlight the irrationality and illogicality of certain beliefs or actions.
• Social Commentary: Satire serves as a form of social commentary, providing a critical lens through which societal issues can be examined. It challenges the status quo and prompts readers to question the systems and practices they may otherwise take for granted.

Understanding satire requires a keen sense of humor and an appreciation for irony. It offers a fresh and often entertaining perspective on societal issues, encouraging readers to think critically and question the world around them. By employing various literary devices and techniques, satire challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and assumptions, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and society.

Defining Satire and Its Purpose

Satire is a unique form of literature that uses humor and sarcasm to critique and mock various aspects of society. It serves as a powerful tool for social commentary and provides a platform for writers to express their opinions on serious issues in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.

At its core, satire aims to expose the flaws, vices, and absurdities present in society and human behavior. It utilizes irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to challenge the status quo and prompt readers to question and reflect upon their own beliefs and actions. Its purpose is not only to entertain but also to provoke critical thinking and promote change.

Satire often targets individuals or institutions in positions of power or authority, highlighting their hypocrisy, corruption, or incompetence. It can also focus on societal norms, cultural practices, or prevailing ideologies, revealing their contradictions or shortcomings. By shining a light on these shortcomings, satire encourages readers to consider alternative perspectives and rethink traditional norms.

Furthermore, satire can act as a form of social catharsis by providing a collective outlet for frustration and dissatisfaction. It allows individuals to laugh at the absurdities of life and find solace in the shared recognition of societal absurdities. Through humor, satire can foster a sense of unity and solidarity among readers, encouraging them to question and challenge societal norms together.

In conclusion, satire is a powerful literary tool that uses humor and ridicule to expose and critique societal flaws. Its purpose goes beyond entertainment and aims to provoke critical thinking, promote change, and foster a collective sense of shared recognition and catharsis. Through satire, writers have the ability to challenge the status quo and inspire readers to question and reflect upon their own beliefs and actions.

Understanding Various Forms of Satire

Satire is a powerful form of communication that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique and ridicule society, individuals, or institutions. By employing various techniques, satirical writing aims to shed light on social or political issues and provoke thought in the reader.

There are numerous forms of satire, each with its own distinctive characteristics and purposes. One common form is verbal irony , where the intended meaning is different from the literal words used. This type of satire often relies on sarcasm and witty remarks to make its point.

Another form of satire is parody , which imitates the style, tone, or content of another work or genre. Parodies often use exaggeration and humor to expose the flaws or absurdities in the original subject matter. This form of satire is frequently seen in literature, music, and film.

Burlesque satire, on the other hand, is characterized by its mocking and disrespectful tone. It uses crude humor and vulgarity to ridicule societal norms or conventions. Burlesque satire often challenges the audience’s sensibilities and provokes discomfort while highlighting hypocrisy or moral corruption.

Another form of satire is juxtaposition , which involves placing two contrasting ideas or situations side by side to highlight their absurdity. Juxtaposition can be a powerful tool for satirists to convey their message by creating a stark contrast that exposes contradictions or hypocrisy in society.

Satirical caricature is yet another form that uses exaggerated or distorted elements to portray individuals or groups in a comically absurd way. By emphasizing certain features or traits, satirical caricature aims to expose the subject’s flaws or criticize their behavior or beliefs.

These are just a few examples of the various forms of satire that exist. Each form has its own unique characteristics and appeals to different audiences. By understanding these different forms, writers can effectively employ satire to entertain, challenge, and inspire readers.

Tips for Crafting a Witty Piece of Satire

Imbuing your writing with satire in a way that effectively pokes fun at societal norms or human follies is an art form few can master. To help you craft a humorous and thought-provoking essay, we have compiled some essential tips that will guide you through the satirical writing process.

1. Choose your target judiciously: Select a topic or subject that you wish to satirize, something that reflects the absurd or flawed aspects of society or human behavior.

2. Employ irony and sarcasm: Utilize these potent literary devices to mock or ridicule your chosen target. Make clever and witty observations by employing subtle irony or sharp sarcasm.

3. Embrace exaggeration: Exaggeration is key to successful satire. Amplify certain characteristics or traits to the point of absurdity to highlight their foolishness or impracticality.

4. Create engaging characters: Develop fictional or real-life characters that embody the flaws or qualities you wish to satirize. By doing so, you can effectively convey your intended message in an engaging and relatable manner.

5. Use humor wisely: Utilize humor to engage your readers and make your points more memorable. Employ wit, wordplay, and puns to make your satirical essay entertaining and thought-provoking.

6. Keep it relevant: Ensure your satire remains relevant and relatable to your audience. Address current events or cultural phenomena that are familiar to your readers, as this will enhance the impact of your essay.

7. Employ clever word choice: Select your words carefully, utilizing language that is witty and incisive. Play with puns, double entendre, and metaphors to add layers of meaning and depth to your writing.

8. Consider the tone: The tone of your satirical essay plays a significant role in how effectively your message is conveyed. Strike a balance between amusement and criticism, ensuring your tone does not become overly critical or offensive.

9. Revise and refine: After completing your initial draft, take the time to review and revise your work. Polish your language, refine your humor, and ensure the structure and flow of your essay effectively deliver your satirical message.

By following these tips, you will be well-equipped to embark on the adventure of satirical writing. Remember, satirical essays should prompt laughter and reflection, making your readers both smile and ponder the issues you subtly illuminate.

Choose a Relevant Topic

When embarking on the task of crafting a satirical essay, it is essential to carefully select a relevant topic that encompasses an aspect of society or human behavior one wishes to satirize. In order to effectively convey your satirical message, it is important to choose a topic that is familiar to your audience and holds some degree of cultural significance.

Consider current events, social issues, or trends that have gained widespread attention and provoke strong emotions or opinions. Look for topics that have inherent absurdity, hypocrisy, or irony that can be easily exaggerated and ridiculed in your essay.

Some potential areas to explore include politics, popular culture, technology, education, or any other aspect of modern life that may be ripe for satirical commentary. Keep in mind that your goal is not to offend or attack individuals, but to use humor and sarcasm to critique larger societal issues or institutions.

Furthermore, it is important to choose a topic that you have a deep understanding of, as this will allow you to effectively convey your satirical message and engage your readers. Conduct thorough research and gather relevant information and examples that will support your satirical argument.

In essence, choosing a relevant topic for your satirical essay is the first step towards creating a successful and impactful piece of writing. By selecting a subject that resonates with your audience and has ample material to satirize, you will be able to craft a compelling essay that entertains and challenges societal norms.

• Choose a topic that is familiar to your audience
• Select a subject with cultural significance
• Look for inherent absurdity, hypocrisy, or irony
• Avoid offending individuals and focus on critiquing larger societal issues
• Ensure a deep understanding of the chosen topic
• Support your argument with thorough research and examples

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

In order to craft a successful and impactful satirical essay, it is crucial to develop a strong thesis statement. Your thesis statement encapsulates the main idea or argument of your essay and provides a clear direction for your writing. A well-crafted thesis statement not only guides your essay, but also elicits thought and provokes a reaction from your readers.

When developing your thesis statement, it is important to choose a topic that lends itself well to satire. Satire is a form of creative writing that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or ridicule societal issues or human vices. Your thesis statement should reflect the satirical nature of your essay and make a bold statement about the topic you are addressing.

One strategy for developing a strong thesis statement is to identify a specific aspect or element of your chosen topic to focus on. By honing in on a particular aspect, you can highlight the absurdity, hypocrisy, or flaws inherent in the subject matter. This specificity adds depth and nuance to your essay, making your satirical critique more powerful.

Another important consideration when developing your thesis statement is to consider your audience. Who do you hope to target or engage with your essay? Your thesis statement should take into account the perspectives, values, and beliefs of your intended audience. By tailoring your thesis statement to resonate with your audience, you increase the likelihood of capturing their attention and sparking their interest.

Remember, a strong thesis statement is just the beginning of a well-crafted satirical essay. It sets the stage for your writing and provides a clear roadmap for your argument. Take the time to develop a thesis statement that is engaging, provocative, and thought-provoking, and you will be well on your way to writing a successful satirical essay.

Use Humor and Irony

Injecting humor and irony into your satirical essay is crucial for effectively conveying your message. It allows you to highlight the absurdity and contradictions of a particular topic or situation in a way that not only amuses readers but also prompts them to critically think about the issue at hand.

Witty remarks, clever wordplay, and sarcastic undertones can be your weapons of choice in bringing out the comedic elements of your essay. By using humor, you can grab your readers’ attention and keep them engaged throughout your writing. Furthermore, irony adds a layer of depth to your satire, allowing you to subtly critique societal norms, political ideologies, or human behavior.

Remember that effective satire uses humor and irony as tools, not as mere jokes or insults. The goal is to make a point and provoke thoughtful reflection, not just to entertain. So, weave your humor and irony with skill and precision, selecting your words carefully to achieve the desired effect.

Be aware that using humor and irony requires a delicate balance. While you want to evoke laughter and amusement, you must also be mindful of the potential for misunderstanding or offense. Satire should challenge the status quo and promote critical thinking, but not at the expense of respect and empathy.

Ultimately, by infusing your satirical essay with humor and irony, you can craft a piece that both entertains and enlightens. So, embrace your comedic side and let the laughter and irony guide your writing!

Employ Satirical Devices

In order to effectively convey your satirical message in your essay, it is crucial to employ various satirical devices. These devices serve as the tools that will help you create a humorous and mocking tone, and effectively critique the subject matter you are satirizing.

• Irony: One of the most common satirical devices, irony involves saying or writing the opposite of what you actually mean. By using irony, you can highlight the absurdity or hypocrisy of a situation or individual.
• Sarcasm: This device relies on sharp and mocking remarks to ridicule or criticize a subject. Sarcasm can add a comedic element to your essay and make your satirical points more impactful.
• Hyperbole: Hyperbole involves extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point or create a humorous effect. By using hyperbole, you can emphasize the flaws or ridiculous aspects of the subject you are satirizing.
• Parody: A parody is a satirical imitation of a specific work, genre, or style. By mimicking and exaggerating the characteristics of the original, you can highlight its flaws, make fun of it, or deliver your message in a more humorous way.
• Understatement: Understatement involves depicting a situation or a subject as less significant or serious than it actually is. By using understatement, you can ironically downplay the importance of something or make it seem ridiculous.
• Wordplay: Wordplay involves using puns, double entendres, or other linguistic devices to create humorous or satirical effects. By playing with words and their meanings, you can add a layer of wit and cleverness to your essay.

By consciously employing these satirical devices in your essay, you can effectively mock and criticize the subject matter while entertaining and engaging your readers. However, it is important to use these devices sparingly and thoughtfully, ensuring that they enhance your satirical message rather than overshadowing it.

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If there’s any genre of literature designed to make fun of humankind, it’s satire. In both prose and poetry, writers have employed satirical techniques as far back as Ancient Egypt, utilizing the conventions and elements of satire to write about our follies.

Satire writing has become more popular in recent years. This is partially due to the internet: greater access to information has given writers more follies to satirize. It also helps that satirical publications, like The Onion and Reductress , have amplified satires about the modern day.

While headlines like “ Overly Cautious Pregnant Woman Only Going To Ride Roller Coaster 6 Or 7 Times ” seem silly and unsophisticated, there’s actually a fine art to satire that many readers and writers overlook. This article covers the basics of how to write satire: the different types of satire, the various elements of satire, and different satirical techniques essential to the form. Along the way, we’ll analyze those elements and techniques through some satire examples.

But first, what is satire? It’s important to understand both what it is and what it isn’t . Let’s define satire accordingly.

Satire Definition: What is Satire?

Satire is the art of mocking human follies or vices, with the intent of correcting or criticizing those shortcomings of human nature. It is, quite simply, a tasteful means of ridiculing human behaviors, institutions, and politics.

Satire definition: the art of mocking human follies or vices, with the intent of correcting or criticizing those shortcomings of human nature.

Now, satire isn’t just senseless ribbing. Writing about something with sarcasm, irony, or condescension doesn’t make something satirical. Nor does it count if you simply make fun of something: an essay that laughs at arson victims, for example, would just be cruelty.

Rather, satire must criticize a specific action, belief, or institution. It must poke holes in the logic of those actions, beliefs, or institutions, without ever explicitly stating the humor. Finally, it must showcase this flawed logic with the intent of creating awareness and inciting change.

Let’s use an Onion article as an example. Read this brief story: “Mark Zuckerberg Asks Hawaiian Neighbor To Cut Down Unsightly, Overgrown Rainforest”

The title alone makes for a great bit of satire, but let’s break down what the article is doing.

• Realistic fiction: For starters, this never happened—but it sounds like something that would.
• Ironic use of “lack of respect”:   Zuckerberg finds the forest’s presence to be disrespectful, though his request to disrupt the natural land is far more disrespectful.
• Hyperbolic language: Phrases like “unkempt biome” and “obnoxious waterfall” are hyperbolic and unusual, signifying the comedy of the article.
• Scornful Tone: The writer of the article clearly expresses a scornful, satirical tone.
• Subtlety: The article never says “Mark Zuckerberg is a bad person.” But it does quote him as calling native Hawaiians “disgusting nuisances,” using a word play device called “paraprosdokian.”
• Logical extremes: The idea behind this article is that a billionaire is making unreasonable, hurtful demands to satisfy his own comforts. This article takes that idea to a logical extreme.
• Juxtaposition of incongruous features: There’s no HOA for Hawaiian rainforests. The inclusion of this detail satirizes the bureaucracy that wealthy people use to their advantage: if there was a rainforest HOA, it would certainly come to Zuckerberg’s benefit.

We’ll examine these elements of satire more closely in a moment. For now, take note that all of these elements—irony, juxtaposition, hyperbole, etc.—are working together in this short but highly effective article.

Elements of Satire

Whether you’re writing Juvenalian satire or Horatian satire (terms we’ll define in a bit), the following elements are useful to writing satirical works. You’ll notice some of these elements working in both the above article and the satire examples we include later on.

• Realism: A work of satire must sound like it could actually happen in the real world. Now, this isn’t always easy, especially if your essay is about a politician condoning the consumption of newborns. What’s important is that satire does not draw attention to its own farce . The story must ostensibly treat its subject matter seriously, even when it uses literary devices in jest.
• Irony :  Irony is when the opposite of what’s expected actually occurs. It is a contrast between “what seems to be” and “what is,” surprising and provoking the reader. Irony is pivotal to satire, as it allows the story to seem realistic while being hyperbolic, while also amusing the reader or challenging a certain assumption the reader has made.
• Hyperbole: Hyperbole is language that is incommensurate with the thing being described. For example, let’s say you walk outside on a hot July day, and you say “it’s a million degrees outside!” Hyperbolic language often makes for great satire writing. Note that “understatement” is an effective form of hyperbole as well.
• Tone: Tone refers to the author’s attitude towards a certain topic. Because the intent of satire is to criticize or make fun of something, the tone of a satire piece might be ironic, sarcastic, mocking, critical, or simply satirical.
• Subtlety: Satire writers need to strike a fine balance between realism and absurdism. The story should seem possible in the real world, but it should also lean into comedy and farce without explicitly stating the thing that’s being satirized .
• Logical Extremes: A logical extreme is when an idea or argument is amplified to a hyperbolic, but still possible, conclusion. Let’s take the argument “Cats are evil.” A logical extreme of this would be “ Kitten Thinks Of Nothing But Murder All Day .”
• Juxtaposition of Incongruous Features: Juxtaposition refers to the close placement of two related objects in text. In satire, writers will juxtapose incongruous features—items which don’t belong next to each other, but are written about as though they do. An example of this would be “ Geologists Find Historical Record of Last 3 Million Years in Woman’s Makeup Brushes .”

It is important to recognize that satire is all about imitation . The story seems like something that could or has happened in the real world, with only slight adjustments to make the story farcical or hyperbolic. These changes—these juxtapositions, hyperboles, and logical extremes—amount to a subtle, yet evocative, critique of the satire’s subject.

Works of imitation are often satire. Parody, for example, is a satirical imitation of another work of art, literature, or media. Similar to parody is the burlesque, which treats a serious work of art as something caricatured and risible. Slapstick, finally, can be satirical, especially when the characters of a slapstick comedy are public figures that the author views as unintelligent.

Pay attention to these elements at play in the satire examples we share throughout this article.

Satire vs. Parody

Because works of parody are intended to mock, riff, or imitate other works of art, parody is often confused with satire. Although parody can produce satire, there are a few key differences between the two.

Parody is always the comical imitation of a certain style or genre. One example of this is Don Quixote, a novel which parodies the romance novels of 17th century Spain. Another example is Candide . Candide is ostensibly a work of satire, but it uses parodies of the romance and adventure novel—for example, the picaresque and the bildungsroman—to construct this satire.

In media, parody is a huge aspect of Saturday Night Live skits. 1-800-Flowers , for example, is a parody of flower commercials on television.

Satire is much more complex than parody.

Satire is much more complex than parody: for one, it is much subtler than the parody, and for another, it specifically criticizes an idea, argument, or person. Parodies can make fun of certain styles or conventions without attacking a particular person or idea—though a parody can also be critical.

In short, parody is a work of imitative art that can stand on its own, or it can contribute to the development of a work of satire, but it is not the same as satire itself.

Satire vs. Sarcasm

A similar dilemma emerges with satire vs. sarcasm: they seem the same, but one is actually an element of the other.

Sarcasm is the use of ironic language to poke fun at another person’s faults. It is verbal irony with the intent of making fun. Let’s say you drop your phone and the screen cracks. Your sarcastic friend (or enemy!) might say “That was so graceful,” implying that what you did was the opposite of graceful.

Sarcasm, thus, is one of the elements of satire. A work of satire might have a sarcastic tone, employ sarcastic description, or rely heavily on inverted language.

People often employ the adjectives “satirical” and “sarcastic” as if they’re synonyms. They are, but they mean slightly different things. “Sarcastic” means “using wit and irony to hurt someone,” whereas “satirical” means “using wit and irony to expose or criticize human folly.”

Satire in Poems

Although most satire examples you’ll find are works of prose, you can also find satire in poems. Satirical poetry relies on the same techniques as works of prose do, but because the poem is constrained by poetry form , the poet must be much more discerning about which elements of satire to include in the poem.

Classical poets such as Dryden, Swift, and Shelley employed satire in poems, but let’s look at an example from the modern day: Read “Thank You For Waiting” by Simon Armitage .

The satire is readily apparent in this poem. The format riffs off of the language that airlines use to board their passengers. By taking this language to its logical extreme, the poem effectively satirizes the artificial class divisions perpetuated by airlines, corporations, and other wealthy, capitalist institutions.

What are the two types of satire?

What are the two types of satire? Literary theorists organize works of satire into two categories: Horatian and Juvenalian. These categories come from the names Horace and Juvenal, two poets of Ancient Rome.

Horatian satire is a typically lighthearted work that pokes fun at mankind’s follies. It is not caustic or overly critical. Rather, it laughs at the failings of mankind with a certain amount of sympathy, telling the truth about our imperfections with a smile.

By contrast, Juvenalian satire is much angrier, and is written with the intent of criticizing and condemning a certain person or institution that the satirist views as evil. These pieces of satire usually confront social and political issues.

There exists a third and less frequently discussed form of satire called the Menippean satire. This type satirizes certain ways of thinking, rather than particular individuals or groups. It tends to be a novel-length work that focuses on societal norms, often including philosophical discussions. Named after an Ancient Greek satirist, a contemporary Menippean satire might poke fun at, for example, altered states of consciousness ( Alice in Wonderland ).

The Menippean satire has its own history and genre conventions which are beyond the scope of this article. To learn more about those conventions, start here .

In the meantime, let’s look at some Horatian satire examples and Juvenalian satire examples.

Horatian Satire Examples

The Horatian satire is the most lighthearted form of satire. As such, these works of literature and journalism are intended to make you laugh—but that doesn’t mean a Horatian satire cannot also be thought-provoking.

Here are a few examples from literature:

1. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Gulliver’s Travels is a novel that satirizes the “travelers’ tale,” a subgenre of literature that was especially popular during the ages of exploration. In the novel, Lemuel Gulliver’s travels take him to a land of tiny people (Lilliput), a land of giants (Brobdingnag), a floating island of the arts (Laputa), and a land of talking horses (the Houyhnhnms).

Throughout these travels, Gulliver often compares the societies and governments of the people he meets with that of 18th century Europe. Each land has its own problems, taken to logical extremes. The Houyhnhnms, for example, are honest and upright people who don’t have a word for lying. (Their name is an onomatopoeia for the sounds horses make.) Yet, they’re happy to suppress Gulliver’s status as an outsider to the local humans (the Yahoos), indicating that they believe silence is better than lying.

Additionally, the character Gulliver is rather easily misled and rarely employs critical thinking. As a result, his outlook on humanity becomes more and more depressing as the story progresses, because he becomes aware of the flaws in each of these societies and comes to believe that all men are the same, rather than recognizing the nuances in human civilization and psychology.

As a result, each element of the story is carefully crafted satire. It’s Horatian satire because many of the situations are intended to make readers laugh, such as the Brobdingnag giants crafting a tiny house that they can carry Gulliver around in. Nonetheless, the novel prompts readers to examine the ways they react to different cultures and lived experiences, as well as coming to terms with the fact that there is no ideal government.

2. The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales is noteworthy for a number of reasons, namely that it popularized the use of English vernacular in literature (when, previously, English was seen as a commoner’s language, and literature was written in Latin or French). Partially written in prose and partially written in verse, The Canterbury Tales provides an interesting window into culture and society during the turn of the 15th century.

It is also, when closely examined, a work of satire on the peoples of England.

The Canterbury Tales revolves around a group of pilgrims regaling each other with stories of their lived experiences. Those experiences range widely: characters include a friar, a knight, two nuns, a shipman, a physician, a cook, a pardoner, and many more. Each person’s tale is inevitably informed by their class and social standing. As a result, their stories end up being satires on the lived experiences they represent and, more broadly, satirize elements of medieval society as a whole.

For example, the Nun’s Tale satirizes “courtly love,” a literary genre (and true-to-life representation) of what relationships looked like among the ruling elite. The Nun’s Tale takes place in a barnyard, not in the high courts, which makes a mockery of the acts of chivalry described by the Nun.

The 15th century was a time of great social upheaval for Europe, particularly England, where the emergence of a merchant class and a (non-religious) intellectual class spawned new ideas about the structure of society. The Canterbury Tales capitalizes on these changes by satirizing the societies and psychologies of people in each class.

3. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court is most frequently heralded as one of the first time travel novels. Apart from this, it is also a hilarious Horatian satire on the values of medieval Feudalism.

In the novel, Hank Morgan, an engineer from Connecticut, inadvertently travels to 6th century England after being struck in the head. Hank convinces the people of his “magical powers” by telling them about the future. Doing this, he gains power in King Arthur’s course and tries to bring modernity to the 500s. This results in a satire of the values and institutions in both medieval society and 19th century America.

For example, Merlin creates a veil of invisibility, which Sir Sagramor wears in a duel against Hank. Hank pretends that he can’t actually see Sir Sagramor, satirizing the superstitions about magic, as well as the institution of chivalry, prominent in medieval England.

Through the juxtaposition of incongruous societies, Mark Twain pokes fun at human society 1300 years before Twain’s time, while also demonstrating parallels between people then and now.

For contemporary satirical journalism, The Onion and Reductress are both generally examples of Horatian satire, though both are occasionally Juvenalian.

Juvenalian Satire Examples

While Juvenalian satire can certainly make readers laugh, the intent is to ridicule the actions and philosophies of certain societies and institutions. As such, the following Juvenalian satire examples often bear resemblance to the politics of their times, taking political philosophies to their logical extremes.

1. “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift

“A Modest Proposal” is quintessential Juvenalian satire. Written in 1729, the essay satirizes British policy concerning Ireland, as Britain’s occupation of the Irish state routinely caused famine and strife. The essay was originally published under the title “A Modest Proposal For Preventing the Children of Poor People From Being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For Making Them Beneficial to the Publick.”

The essay’s satire is effective precisely because of its shock value. Swift first describes the plight of Ireland, particularly the suffering of its many beggars and hungry citizens. Then, without warning, Swift’s essay pivots to the nutritional value of eating 1 year old babies (a juxtaposition of incongruous features, and an argument taken to its logical extreme).

Much of the essay is then devoted to the logic behind eating infants: the many ways they can be cooked, the financial benefits, and how it will resolve other issues like murder and taxation. The essay amounts to an argument that is almost convincing. If the reader doesn’t think about the morality of eating children, the satire is almost actually effective in proposing that the consumption of infants is pragmatic policymaking.

Nonetheless, the reader comes to sympathize with the Irish and hate the narrator of the essay, effectively undermining the policymaking decisions of 18th century Britain. Because this essay is criticizing British policymakers and their treatment of the Irish people, there is no doubt that the caustic tone of this piece makes it Juvenalian satire.

You can read “A Modest Proposal” for yourself at Project Gutenberg .

2. Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm is a Juvenalian satire that retells the establishment of the Soviet Union with farm animals in place of political leaders. As such, it adapts the form of the fable into a satirical novella about Trotsky, Lenin, Stalin, and the dramas that unfolded with the overthrow of the Russian monarchy.

Animal Farm begins on an old, dilapidated farm, run by the careless taker Mr. Jones, who represents the monarchy. The pigs band together around the wisdom of Old Major, an elderly pig who represents Lenin, as well as Karl Marx and his teachings. Inspired by the prospect of freedom from Mr. Jones, the animals revolt and claim the farm for themselves.

Much like the beginnings of the Soviet Union, the newly run Animal Farm begins in prosperity. The animals work to modernize the farm and make it self-sustaining, able to nurture all of the animals equally.

Before long, however, some of the farm’s leaders begin to grapple for power. Snowball, who represents Trotsky, tries to maintain the ideals of equality and progress espoused by Old Major (a philosophy called Animalism in the book). Napoleon, who represents Stalin, wants to seize power for himself. To do this, he uses a pig called Squealer, who represents Molotov, the Soviet Union’s head of propaganda. Squealer convinces the farm animals that Snowball is conspiring against the farm, even though it’s really Napoleon who’s conspiring.

The novella then follows how Napoleon abuses the language of progress to satisfy his own needs, hoarding wealth from the farm animals he claims to represent.

What makes this a work of Juvenalian satire? For one, it’s no subtle insult that the leaders of the Soviet Union are represented by pigs. But the work’s satire comes from its farcical resemblance to Europe’s political situation in the first half of the 20th century. Orwell takes Soviet propaganda to its logical extreme, showing how easy it is to manipulate an entire farm (or country!) through the manipulation of words and ideas.

3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Another work of mid-century satire, Brave New World satirizes the ideal utopian society, presenting a world in which everyone is happy and nothing has meaning. In the novel, people are artificially manufactured and born into a certain social class, based on the intelligence and strength they are bestowed upon their manufacturing.

The novel primarily follows Bernard Marx, a high class citizen who starts to question the social structures of the utopia. The society functions in large part due to Soma, a drug that manufactures happiness and is frequently taken by all citizens of the world. Soma allows people to be satisfied with their place in society, so nobody questions the flaws in this apparent utopia—except for Bernard, who doesn’t consume the drug, as well as Bernard’s friend Helmholtz, a writer who struggles to write when he can’t experience his own suffering.

The novel follows Bernard’s reckoning with society, including his witnessing the lives of Native Americans who don’t live in the modern world, and what happens when those Native Americans, who don’t live a manufactured life, find themselves in the manufactured realities of the “utopia.”

What makes this a piece of satire is the extension of social ideals to their logical extremes. For example, the people in Brave New World are sexually liberated, in part because the society has controlled for the possibilities of pregnancy and STIs. When John, a Native, falls in love with Lenina Crowne, he ends up committing suicide because he can’t support her sexual freedom, suggesting there’s a certain loss of humanity that comes from this liberation.

Another example is a satire of contemporary media. Before John commits suicide, he exiles himself to a lighthouse, where he self-flagellates in the hopes of purifying himself of modern civilization. What he doesn’t know is that he is secretly being filmed. When that film is released, all of society zeroes in on John and his strange behavior. This spectacle resembles, in large part, our contemporary lust for information, to the point that we invade each others’ privacy. Huxley wrote this novel far before the advent of social media, but now that we’re constantly filming each other for fame and spectacle, how far off was he?

How to Write Satire

How did the great satirists of history pull off such effective works of literature? In addition to having savage wits and keen eyes for politics, satire writers followed a few strict rules. Here’s how to write a satire in 5 steps.

1. How to Write Satire: Familiarize yourself with satirical techniques

Satire is a difficult genre to pick up, which makes it essential to read like a writer . Read the satire examples we included in this article, and analyze how the following satirical techniques are employed:

• Logical Extremes
• Juxtaposition of Incongruous Features

These elements of satire, when employed strategically, combine to make effective, poignant, and gut-busting stories.

2. How to Write Satire: Begin with a topic or issue you’d like to satirize

Satire can criticize both local issues and global ones. The Canterbury Tales satirizes the stories and personalities prominent in medieval England; conversely, Brave New World criticizes the Western view of utopia and the direction of global society.

Regardless of what issue you choose, do your research. It’s important to understand the arguments for and against a certain issue, and the logic and reasoning behind those arguments. That way, you can take those arguments to their logical extremes, undermining the rhetorical strategies used in favor of the issue you’re against.

For example, let’s say you wanted to write a piece of satire on removing the penny from U.S. circulation. An argument in favor of this is that it could curb inflation. You could then take this argument to its logical extreme. Imagine a country in which we made every coin out of pure gold, and everyone starts fighting with each other for change? Or, imagine a country in which the lowest monetary denomination is the $10 bill, and, again, everyone starts fighting with each other for change?

3. How to Write Satire: Build a narrative

Once you have a topic and a stance on that topic, build a story around the argument you’re trying to undermine.

This is where the art of storytelling , and elements like character, plot, and setting, can prove extremely useful. For example, read this brief Horatian satire from The Onion: ‘ This City. These People. All Sheep, And I Am Their Shepherd,’ Says Eric Adams, Looking Out Over New York .”

NEW YORK—Clasping his hands behind his back and looking out over Manhattan’s iconic skyline, New York mayor Eric Adams was reported to have said, “This city. These people. All sheep, and I am their shepherd,” as he launched into a monologue Wednesday. “I and I alone am the line between order and chaos, guiding toward the light these confused, woeful masses who wander in darkness,” said Adams, who reportedly cast his gaze on the citizens below and contemplated how fortunate they were to have a place in the palm of his merciful hand. “Without me, without my power and my will, each of these 8 million souls would be condemned to a wretched life and death amidst a twisted, seething cesspool of humanity. As they cling to a crumbling precipice, they reach out, in their desperation, to the one man whose whims control their destiny: to me, to their protector, to New York’s greatest benefactor, to Eric Adams!” At press time, sources reported Adam had retired for the night to his apartment in New Jersey.

If you know anything about New Yorkers, you know we always hate the mayor. Let’s deconstruct what this piece is doing:

The issue: At the time of this article’s publication, Adams has been NYC mayor for just over 4 months. In that time, he’s had a formidable media presence, but he often sounds a bit self-aggrandizing when he talks about the city and the role he’s going to play in running it. In a recent video message, he’s quoted saying “I will not stop until the peace we deserve becomes the reality we experience.” The issue is that the mayor might be all words, no action—especially when those words are already overwrought.

The satire : This article amps up the melodrama, taking Adams’ speech to a logical extreme. The parody of his melodrama builds Adams up to be a god-like figure, as he is the difference between “order and chaos,” between “life and death.” He is even “the one man whose whims control [New York City’s] destiny.”

The storytelling: This article makes a sort of caricature of Adams. A caricature is a type of characterization in which the character is one dimensional and distorted for the audience’s pleasure. The story, here, is that Adams went off on a monologue before retiring to his non-NYC apartment, making the story’s structure a satire for his administration: all talk, no action.

4. How to Write Satire: Surprise the reader

All works of satire have an element of surprise. The reader shouldn’t be able to expect where the story goes, otherwise it’s not doing a good job of delighting and provoking the reader. As such, your satire should have a twist, even if that twist doesn’t occur until the final sentence.

Pay attention to the twists in the above satire examples. In “A Modest Proposal,” the twist is the proposal itself: that the solution to Ireland’s poverty is to cook and consume 1 year olds. In The Onion article about Eric Adams, the twist is that he goes home to New Jersey.

The twist should both surprise the reader and advance a certain satirical argument. Whatever you do, be clear about what you’re mocking and criticizing, because this will inform what your twist is and help you stick the landing.

5. How to Write Satire: Edit for clarity and laughs

Can you make your story more ironic, hyperbolic, or realistic? Are you juxtaposing unalike items in clever ways? Is it clear who or what your satire is criticizing? Ask yourself these questions as you edit your piece: the goal is to distort reality just enough that the reader knows this is satire, but to still be hyperbolic and ironic, even if the work is more Juvenalian than Horatian.

Learn How to Write Satire at Writers.com

Ready to laugh at the world? The instructors at Writers.com are eager to help you polish your works of satire. Take a look at our upcoming writing courses , and write satirical stories and books alongside our award-winning instructors .

Sean Glatch

Excellent presentation, Sean. It gave me some structural ideas for a collection of poems and epistles in the vein of Horace and Juvenal. I’ve previously published a parody of Voltaire’s Candide. My story is called: The Alchemy of Happiness. ( which is the title of a book by a Muslim scholar from the 10th century.

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How To Write a Satire Essay?

20 February, 2021

13 minutes read

Author:  Richard Pircher

As a high school or college student, you definitely have your fair share of assignments. From carrying out backbreaking research on late historical figures to writing endless essays, school work can be a tad draining. However, one assignment that always seems to have students in a fix is the satire essay.

Writing an essay on satire is one of the hardest tasks you’d come across in high school or college. This kind of essay typically requires a vast knowledge of the subject matter and a great sense of humor. 

This leads us to the big question: how do you write a Nobel prize-worthy satirical essay? Let’s find out. 

What Is a Satire Essay? 

Satire is a literary device or genre employed by a significant number of professional authors. This genre is particularly aimed at criticizing a person or group of persons for their vices, wrongdoings or shortcomings. 

Usually, satire is used to shed more light on significant political or cultural issues within a society. A satire essay is a type of essay that employs devices such as sarcasm, humor and irony to mock a particular person, situation or ideology. Basically, it pokes fun at certain people or situations in an elite and sarcastic manner. 

How to Write a Satire Essay: Writing Tips

Wondering how to write a satire essay? Even though it may seem like a daunting task, writing a satire essay can be a seamless process once you apply the following tips: 

Choose an original and relevant topic

So you need to write a satire essay. The first step to take is to choose your topic. In some cases, your teacher or professor may assign a topic to you, but more often than not, you’d need to come up with a topic of your own. 

In this case, decide the area you want your essay to focus on. You could focus on a political or social situation, depending on what you want. 

However, it is advisable to choose a topic that you’re familiar with. This way, it will be easier to dig up facts and evidence to support your point of view. 

Consider your audience 

Your audience is the focal point of your essay. As such, it’s very important that you consider them at every stage of the writing process. Is your essay aimed at high school students or college professors? 

Would it be read by professionals or just your fellow students? Identifying and considering your audience will help to determine the appropriate tone for your essay. 

If your target audience is mostly made up of fellow students and friends, you can get away with using a casual tone. However, if you expect professionals to read your work, it’s advisable to go for a more formal tone in your essay. 

Add lots of humor 

What makes a satire essay so interesting? Is it the topic or the author’s writing style? Well, the major spice of any satire essay is the generous use of humor. You want to make your audience laugh at the ridiculousness of a particular person or situation. As such, the best way to achieve this aim is by applying devices like irony, sarcasm and hyperbole. 

When used tactfully, these devices can have the desired effect on readers. 

Stick to plain facts

Inasmuch as satirical essays employ devices like humor and exaggeration, it’s important to stick to plain facts when writing your essay. Adding incorrect theories or outright lies to your essay would only render it invalid in the court of public opinion. 

As such, it’s important to only state facts that can be backed up by strong evidence. For further credibility, cite your source after stating figures, theories or opinions. 

This would assure your audience that your essay is credible. If you can’t find facts or evidence to support a particular argument, then it is advisable to avoid including it in your essay. 

Use the ELP format

The ELP format is a great way to ensure that your satire essay is professional and of stellar quality. ELP is an acronym for ethos, logos and pathos. 

These three elements form a significant part of your essay and can either make or mar your work. But how and when do you employ them in your essay?

Ethos informs the readers about the issue at hand and their pre-existing beliefs. As such, this tool should be used in the introductory part of the essay to lay a foundation for the readers. 

Logos provides the audience with pure facts and figures, thereby adding credibility to your work. 

Pathos, just like the term implies, would evoke the appropriate feelings and emotions in your audience. Whether you’re trying to evoke sadness, sympathy or anger, using this tool the right way would help you achieve your aim. 

Be tolerant 

Even though a satire essay is often riddled with sarcasm and irony, it’s important that you use these devices without making any offensive statement. 

Your audience will definitely be made up of people from different walks of life. As such, you don’t want to make remarks that may be deemed to be discriminatory or offensive to a particular sect. 

Knowing the boundary between satire and being outrightly offensive is a delicate art that requires practice and a keen understanding of human psychology. However, to ensure that your essay is in no way offensive, you could ask for second opinions from your colleagues or teacher. 

How to Find Original Topics

With how difficult satire essays are, you’d think no one would be writing them. However, a quick Internet search would show you an abundance of already-written satire essay topics. In fact, choosing a topic that has not already been written by someone else can be a daunting task. 

If you’re trying to find original satire essay ideas or topics, here are a few tips that may help you: 

Find major political or cultural events

If you look around you, you’d definitely find a wide range of interesting political or cultural events that would make for a brilliant topic. Go through published articles, media publications and the news to find resources for your dream topic. 

Brainstorm interesting ideas

Once you’ve gone through the resources listed above, you can then go on to brainstorm any ideas you may have come up with. Ensure that your topic is interesting and witty enough to catch the attention of your readers. 

70 Satire Essay Topics 

Struggling to find original satire essay topics that would interest your audience? Well, here are some sample topics on different subject matters that would definitely inspire you:

• The royal family and Princess Diana: a mystery that never got solved
• What would today’s world look like if the Holocaust had never happened? 
• The best American presidents in history vs Donald Trump: a tale of two worlds 
• How World War II should have turned out
• What was so special about Attila the Hun anyway? 
• More than just his height: a review of Abraham Lincoln’s policies 
• The real truth behind Thanksgiving: why was it created? 
• Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust: a not so shocking tale of his prejudice 
• The never-ending cold war between Catholics and Protestants: how it all started
• Why slave trade should have been abolished before it even started
• Trump: analyzing why political leaders should steer clear of social media 
• Politicians and broken promises: a match made in heaven
• Is political correctness the perfect cure for all modern ailments? 
• The gun-slinging citizen: an analysis of the legalization of guns and fire-arms in the United States 
• Freedom of speech and what happens after you make your speech in today’s world
• How to deal with electoral loss: handy tips from the best losers
• Pro-life VS Pro-Choice: the never ending moral argument between conservatives and liberals 
• How to satisfy the United States’ healthcare needs
• Why the death penalty should have died many centuries ago

Marriage and Family 

• Being a cool parent in today’s world: everything you need to know
• Is married life really overrated? Asking for a single millennial
• The United States’ secret behind its high divorce and separation rates
• The perfect recipe for a peaceful divorce in today’s world 
• Should same-sex marriage be legal in every part of the world? 
• Saving for the kids’ college: the bane of every married couple 
• Big weddings or small weddings? The ultimate introvert-extrovert war
• Trying to have a tight family discussion: a how-to guide
• Should women walk on hot coals barefoot to please their fiancé’s parents? 
• Why the internet is the perfect place to seek relationship advice
• Why true love is as real as Santa Claus and Jack Frost
• All is fair in love and war: is it really? 
• What happens when you fall in love with two different people? 
• Why millenials should normalize leaving first dates immediately it becomes awkward 
• How to start a conversation on a first date without being awkward
• Cohabitation: ten lies you’d find on the internet in today’s world 
• Why dating sites should have existed in the 18th or 19th century 
• Finding love in the 21st century: are dating sites the modern version of arranged marriages? 
• How pickup lines determine the start of a strong modern relationship 
• Should there be an age limit on love between adults? 
• The slow yet sure eradication of chalkboards from modern classrooms
• Why dropping out of school is an under-rated decision for millenials 
• Are good grades a social construct created to frustrate students? 
• Why the social pyramid in high school exists and how to navigate it
• Dealing with bad grades: the ultimate guide to getting over a failed exam
• Should parents panic when their child drops out of school? 
• Why detention is a failed attempt at disciplining high school students 
• Online learning: has the pandemic done anything for school truants? 
• Why bullying and bullies should be eradicated from high school systems
• Should you be a wallflower or social butterfly in high school? 
• How television and social media slaughtered newspapers and buried them
• Does the media truly influence people’s lives and decisions in today’s world? 
• The Media and political leaders: who is a better liar? 
• Fake news: how to squash its occurrence in today’s media 
• Television vs social media: which one played a bigger role in COVID-19 sensitization? 
• Is Facebook a peeping Tom? How social media ruined everyone’s privacy
• Is the free press really free or is it being controlled by puppet strings? 
• Censorship vs free speech: what do millennials really need? 
• Scandals and brand wars: is there anything like bad publicity? 
• Why free publicity never works for brands and modern celebrities 
• How to become a millionaire without robbing a bank or grocery store
• Money can’t buy you happiness: the biggest lie ever told to mankind
• Why being broke can be the ultimate death sentence for anyone
• How to save money without literally starving to death in today’s world
• Why working hard does not necessarily translate to more money for you
• Should billionaires exist? Analyzing Jeff Bezos’ wealth and the plight of Amazon’s workers 
• Why financial books are a complete waste of money and valuable time
• The gender pay gap: how to close it in the 21st century
• Why does money have a therapeutic effect on most people? 
• Analyzing Robinhood’s lifestyle: is it okay to steal from the rich and give to the poor? 

Satire Essay Examples 

Still not sure how to write the perfect satire essay? Well, in this case, you can always refer to a well written satire essay example. Here are some satire essay examples that would definitely set you on the right track:

https://thecampanile.org/2019/10/23/satire-why-climate-change-is-fake/

https://manysmallvoices.wordpress.com/tag/satire/

Write a Satire Essay with HandMadeWriting

With these few tips and examples listed above, you can now go on to draft your very own satire essay. However, if you’d rather not go through the hassles of writing it yourself, you can hire HandMadeWriting essay writer services. 

With us, you are guaranteed a stellar, well-written satire essay that would definitely impress your teacher and audience. 

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How to Write a Satire Essay: Examples, Outline and Topics

Ever wondered how to craft those hilarious yet thought-provoking satire essays that leave readers chuckling and pondering? Well, you've come to the right place!

Have you ever found yourself chuckling at the absurdities of life and thought, 'Hmm, there's definitely an essay in that'? Ever pondered how humor could be used to shed light on societal quirks and injustices? If so, you're already on your way to mastering the art of satire writing.

In this guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of writing satire essay examples. We'll cover everything from choosing the perfect topic to mastering the satire techniques. So, grab your pen, and let's have some fun being funny together.

What is a Satire Essay

A satire essay blends humor with social commentary to critique societal issues, human behavior, or institutions. Unlike traditional essays, it aims to entertain while highlighting life's absurdities.

This genre of writing uses wit, irony, sarcasm, and exaggeration to expose flaws and contradictions in society, targeting politics, popular culture, social norms, and human nature. It also addresses serious topics humorously, sparking conversation, inspiring change, and drawing attention to important social issues.

Satire essays come in various forms, from biting political critique to playful social commentary. Whether it's through clever wordplay, absurd scenarios, or biting satire, the goal of you as an essay writer is to entertain, enlighten, and challenge readers to see the world in a new light.

Who Said Essays Have to Be Dull?

Order our witty satire essays and transform your writing from dull to delightful.

Types of a Satire Essay

Learning how to write a satire essay requires you to understand its different forms, each with its own unique style and approach to humorously critiquing society. Whether you ask us to write my essay or tackle it yourself, understanding its different types can help you choose the best format for conveying your message effectively. Here are some common types:

• Juvenalian Satire : This type of satire is harsh, bitter, and angry, focusing on exposing societal injustices, hypocrisy, and corruption.
• Horatian Satire : Named after the Roman poet Horace, this satire is lighthearted, playful, and witty, aiming to amuse while gently poking fun at human folly and societal absurdities.
• Menippean Satire : This satire is complex and unconventional, combining prose, verse, and various literary genres to critique society from multiple angles.
• Political Satire : Political satire humorously highlights the absurdities of politics, aiming to provoke thought and inspire change through parody and humor.
• Social Satire : Social satire critiques broader societal issues and cultural norms, such as relationships, consumerism, and technology, to prompt reflection on societal absurdities.
• Literary Satire : Literary satire uses literary conventions to critique traditions, genres, and authors, often through parody and metafiction.
• Visual Satire : Using images, cartoons, and caricatures, visual satire conveys satirical messages through humor and symbolism, often seen in political cartoons and memes.

25 Satirical Essay Topics

The topic you choose sets the stage for your humor and social commentary. From politics to pop culture, there's no shortage of informative essay topics that are also ripe for satirical critique. Here are 25 distinctive satirical essay ideas to inspire your satire:

• The Absurdity of Celebrity Culture : Explore the obsession with fame and the cult of celebrity.
• The Folly of Fashion Trends : Poke fun at the ever-changing world of fashion and beauty standards.
• The Myth of Perfect Parenting : Satirize the pressure to be a perfect parent in the age of social media.
• The Madness of Modern Technology : Lampoon our addiction to smartphones and social media.
• The Dystopia of Dating Apps : Examine the pitfalls of online dating and hookup culture.
• The Hilarity of Health Trends : Satirize the latest wellness fads and diet crazes.
• The Chaos of College Admissions : Explore the absurdities of the college application process.
• The Paradox of Political Correctness : Critique the complexities of navigating political correctness in today's society.
• The Irony of Environmental Activism : Satirize the contradictions inherent in environmental activism and green living.
• The Comedy of Corporate Culture : Examine the quirks and absurdities of office life and corporate culture.
• The Farce of Fashion Weeks : Lampoon the extravagance and pretentiousness of fashion weeks around the world.
• The Lunacy of Reality TV : Poke fun at the manufactured drama and shallowness of reality television.
• The Nonsense of Self-Help Books : Satirize the industry of self-help books and motivational seminars.
• The Ridiculousness of Social Justice Warriors : Critique the extremes of social justice activism and virtue signaling.
• The Comedy of Conspiracy Theories : Explore the bizarre world of conspiracy theories and their believers.
• The Absurdity of Gender Stereotypes : Satirize traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
• The Hypocrisy of Holistic Healing : Examine the contradictions of alternative medicine and holistic healing practices.
• The Parody of Political Campaigns : Poke fun at the theatrics and absurdities of political campaigns and election cycles.
• The Comedy of Class Reunions : Lampoon the nostalgia and awkwardness of high school reunions.
• The Folly of Fast Food Culture : Satirize the excesses and consequences of fast food consumption.
• The Madness of Memes : Explore the cultural significance and absurdity of internet memes.
• The Farce of Fashion Magazines : Critique the unrealistic beauty standards and consumerism promoted by fashion magazines.
• The Hilarity of Home Renovation Shows : Poke fun at the exaggerated transformations and drama of home renovation reality shows.
• The Paradox of Patriotism : Satirize the contradictions of nationalism and patriotic fervor.
• The Comedy of Cults and Communes : Examine the absurdities of fringe religious movements and utopian communities.

How to Write a Satire Essay: Outline Guide

Creating a solid satirical essay is like serving up a delicious dish of humor with a side of social commentary. But where do you start? How do you take your witty observations and turn them into a compelling satire essay? Fear not! In this section, we'll break down how to write a satire essay outline step by step, starting with crafting the perfect thesis statement.

Start with a Thesis Statement 

Writing a satire essay thesis statement is about encapsulating your satirical take on a particular issue or topic in a clear and concise manner. Your thesis statement should capture the essence of your satire – the target of your humor and the underlying message you're trying to convey.

For example, let's say you want to write a satire essay about the obsession with social media. Your thesis statement might be something like: 'In a world where likes and retweets reign supreme, social media becomes the ultimate stage for showcasing our most curated selves, blurring the lines between reality and virtual validation.'

This thesis statement sets the stage for your satire by highlighting the absurdity of our social media-driven culture and the disconnect between our online personas and real-life experiences. It presents a clear viewpoint that you'll then explore and dissect throughout your essay with humor and wit.

So, next time when crafting your thesis statement or asking us to write my thesis , remember to:

• Identify the specific issue or topic you want to satirize.
• Express your satirical take on the issue in a clear and concise manner.
• Ensure your thesis statement sets the tone for the rest of your essay and guides your readers toward your humorous critique.

Explain Your Idea in the First Body Paragraph

Now that you know how to start a satire essay and lay the foundation with your thesis statement, it's time to dive into the first body paragraph. Begin by expanding on the central idea introduced in your thesis statement. Keep the tone light and playful, but also ensure that your satire is rooted in truth and relevance.

Continuing with our example thesis statement about social media obsession, the first body paragraph might delve into the ways in which social media platforms have become integral parts of our daily lives. You could discuss the addictive nature of scrolling through feeds, the pressure to curate the perfect online persona, and the impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem.

Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to paint a picture of the absurdities inherent in the topic you're exploring. Highlight contradictions, hypocrisies, or ironies that underscore the satirical angle of your essay.

For instance, you might describe the lengths people go to for the perfect selfie or the absurdity of chasing virtual likes and validation. You could share personal anecdotes or humorous observations to bring the topic to life and engage your readers' imaginations.

Add More Layers in the Second Body Paragraph 

Building upon the groundwork laid in the first satire essay paragraph, this section allows you to explore additional facets of the topic and further develop your satirical critique. Start by identifying specific examples, scenarios, or observations that illustrate the absurdities or contradictions inherent in the topic you're satirizing.

Here, you might focus on the ways in which social media distorts our perceptions of reality and fuels a culture of comparison and envy. You could discuss the phenomenon of "FOMO" (fear of missing out) and the pressure to present a flawless image online, even if it's far from authentic.

You might also share stories of people going to extreme lengths to capture the perfect Instagram photo or the impact of cyberbullying and online harassment on mental health.

As you write the second body paragraph, strive to maintain a balance between humor and substance. Use humor to engage your readers and keep them entertained, but also provide meaningful commentary that prompts reflection and critical thinking.

Wrap Up with Impact 

As you wonder how to end a satire essay, remember to summarize the key points you've made about the topic at hand.

For example, in our satire essay about social media obsession, the conclusion might reiterate the pitfalls of seeking validation through likes and retweets, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and genuine human connection in a digital age.

Reflect on the broader implications of the topic you've explored and offer insights or suggestions for addressing the issues raised in your satire. This could involve proposing alternative approaches or solutions in a humorous manner, providing a sense of closure and hope amidst the laughter.

Finally, consider the overall impact of your satire essay and the emotions it evokes in your audience. Did you succeed in entertaining, enlightening, and provoking thought? Did you strike the right balance between humor and substance? Now that you know how to write a conclusion for an essay , reflect on your writing process and consider how you can continue to refine your skills as a satirist.

Handy Tips and Tricks

Before you begin making funny comments about society, let's talk about some easy tips to help you start. Writing a satire essay is all about being funny, using irony, and being a bit smart. If you need some assistance, you can ask us to help me do my essay . But for now, let's take a closer look at how you can improve your skills.

• Pick Your Focus : Satire works best when you make fun of something specific in society that you find funny or annoying.
• Try Different Things : Use different ways to be funny, like making jokes, using irony, or exaggerating things.
• Keep an Eye Out : Pay attention to what's happening around you for ideas. Satire often comes from real-life events or how people act.
• Look at Things Differently : Try writing from different viewpoints, like pretending to be a silly politician or a funny commentator.
• Have Fun : Remember, satire is all about having a good time and making people laugh. So, enjoy yourself and don't take it too seriously.

Satire Essay Examples

Through humor and wit, these satire essay examples offer insightful critiques of their respective subjects, demonstrating effective techniques for crafting satirical commentary.

4 Satire Essay Examples from World Literature

Satire is a popular tool in world literature, where famous writers use humor and irony to poke fun at society and human foolishness. Let's look at some well-known satire essay examples from literature and see how they work:

• 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift : Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' is a political satire masterpiece. Through Lemuel Gulliver's wild adventures, Swift mocks 18th-century British society and human nature. One famous episode is Gulliver's visit to Lilliput, where tiny inhabitants squabble over silly things like how to crack an egg. Swift uses these absurdities to show the silliness of politics and people.
• 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes : Cervantes' 'Don Quixote' pokes fun at chivalric romance. The main character, Don Quixote, is a delusional knight who goes on crazy quests to revive chivalry. Through his funny adventures, Cervantes criticizes the exaggerated ideals of honor and love. The book shows how fantasy can clash with reality in funny ways.
• 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell : Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is a powerful satire on totalitarianism. Animals rebel against humans on a farm, but soon, pigs take over and become dictators. Orwell uses the animals to represent political figures and ideas, showing the hypocrisy of authoritarian rule.
• 'Candide' by Voltaire : Voltaire's 'Candide' is a sharp satire on Enlightenment optimism. The main character, Candide, faces tragic and absurd situations but still believes everything is great. Through Candide's crazy adventures, Voltaire mocks the blind optimism of his time, revealing the harsh truths of human suffering and foolishness.

Final Words

Give yourself a pat on the back – you made it to the end of our writing adventure! With your sense of humor and a fresh understanding of life's funny quirks, you're all set to let your creativity loose on the page.

Just a friendly reminder: Satire isn't just about making jokes – it's a way to start conversations, question the status quo, and maybe even shake things up a bit. So, don't hold back! Try out different styles, go where your imagination takes you, and most importantly, be yourself.

Bored of the Same Old Essays?

Time to shake things up! Inject some humor into your academic life with our side-splitting satire essays.

How to Write a Satirical Essay?

What is a satirical essay, what is a good satire essay topic.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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Crafting Wit and Wisdom: A Guide to Satire Essay, Topics and Examples

Table of contents

• 1 Definition of satire and its historical background
• 2 Elements of a Satirical Essay
• 3 Choosing a Topic
• 4 Analyzing the Subject Matter for Potential Angles of Satire
• 5 Writing the Essay
• 6 What is a Satirical Essay: Examples of Satirical Essays
• 7 Fine Line Between Satire and Offensiveness
• 8 Concluding Thoughts: The Art of Writing the Satire Essay

In this insightful article, we delve into the realm of satire essays, a unique form of writing that blends criticism with humor.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Unveiling the essence of satire essay, its history, and types like Horatian and Juvenalian.
• Exploring the vital elements of a satirical essay, emphasizing a robust thesis, and the use of irony and sarcasm.
• Navigating the process of choosing engaging topics, including 50 hand-picked suggestions.
• Detailed guidance on structuring your satirical essay for maximum impact.
• Learning from examples of renowned satirical essays.
• Understanding the delicate balance between satire and sensitivity.

Join us as we explore these facets of satire essay writing, equipping you with the knowledge to create compelling, thought-provoking academic essays .

Definition of satire and its historical background

Satire, a literary genre known for its clever blend of humor and critique, has a rich history and diverse forms. Originating in ancient times, satire has been used to expose follies and vices in society, individuals, and institutions. The two main types of satire are Horatian and Juvenalian. Horatian satire, named after the Roman poet Horace, is characterized by a light-hearted and humorous tone, aiming more to amuse than to condemn. In contrast, Juvenalian satire, inspired by the Roman poet Juvenal, is more severe and abrasive, often expressing indignation and moral outrage.

The role of humor, irony, and exaggeration in satire cannot be overstated. These elements are tools for satirists to entertain, provoke thought, and challenge the status quo. For instance, exaggeration can highlight the absurdity of a situation, while irony can reveal contradictions and hypocrisies.

When considering topics for satire, it’s important to choose ones that resonate with the audience and remain relevant. Satire essay topics can range from light-hearted social commentary to more biting political criticism. The key is to select a subject that offers ample scope for humor and insightful critique. A satirical essay becomes an impactful tool for social commentary and change by selecting and handling these topics.

Elements of a Satirical Essay

A satirical essay is a unique fusion of humor and criticism woven to convey a thought-provoking message. Central to its success is a robust, clear thesis statement. This serves as the essay’s cornerstone, encapsulating the satirical argument. The thesis should be forthright and reflect the writer’s stance on the subject matter, whether it’s tinged with mockery, a critical edge, or a humorous slant.

The employment of rhetorical devices like irony, sarcasm, and parody is integral to the essence of a satirical essay. Irony stands out as a potent tool. It enables writers to express one thing while implying something else, often the opposite. This juxtaposition of the literal and the intended meaning adds layers to the satire, enriching its impact. Sarcasm, a variant of verbal irony, is adept at mocking or expressing disdain. On the other hand, parody involves imitating a subject or style to expose its flaws and absurdities.

A satirical essay is a clever blend of humor and critique, anchored by a clear, strong thesis and brought to life with the strategic use of rhetorical devices like irony, sarcasm, and parody. The choice of topic is crucial, as it needs to lend itself to satirical treatment, allowing the writer to lampoon the subject while engaging and enlightening the reader.

Choosing a Topic

The best topics for a satirical essay are those that resonate with your audience and remain relevant over time. Current events, social behaviors, and cultural phenomena are fertile grounds for satire. While choosing, consider what things to write a satire about that would engage and provoke thought in your readers. The effectiveness of your satire will depend on the relevance and universality of the topic selected.

When considering satire ideas, the topics should be chosen for their potential to be viewed through a satirical lens. This could involve turning a critical eye on societal norms, political policies, or even everyday absurdities. Funny satire topics revolve around current events, popular culture, or universal human behaviors, offering a wealth of material for insightful yet humorous critique.

Satirical essay ideas should aim to entertain, provoke thought, and encourage reflection. Topics to satirize can range from the mundane to the controversial, each offering a unique opportunity to highlight inconsistencies, hypocrisies, or the humorous side of life.

Here are some current and timeless topics that work well for satirical essays.

• The Perpetual Pursuit of the Perfect Body Image
• The Digital Detox: Escaping Social Media’s Grip
• The Billionaire Space Race: A New Playground for the Rich
• Fast Fashion Frenzy: The Race to the Bottom of Your Closet
• The Automation of Everything: When Robots Take Over Daily Tasks
• The Evolution of the Coffee Culture: From Bean to Obsession
• The “Influencer” Lifestyle: Reality vs. Instagram
• The Political Tug-of-War: A Satirical Look at Partisan Politics
• The Self-Help Paradox: More Books, Less Clarity
• The Tech Disconnect: Smartphones and the Illusion of Connection
• The Art of Procrastination in the Digital Age
• The College Admissions Arms Race: A Game of Prestige and Pressure
• The Corporate Buzzword Bingo: Synergy, Leverage, and Disruption
• The Quest for Immortality: Silicon Valley and the Fountain of Youth
• The Satire of Surveillance: Living in a Panopticon
• The Cult of Productivity: Doing More, Enjoying Less
• The Modern Dating Scene: Swiping Left on Romance
• The Vegan Revolution: Meatless Mondays and Beyond
• The Age of Misinformation: Navigating a Post-Truth World
• The Gig Economy Grind: Freedom or Freelance Frenzy?
• The Generation Gap: Baby Boomers vs. Millennials vs. Gen Z
• The Reality TV Paradox: Fame, Fortune, and Fabrication
• The Luxury of Minimalism: Spending More to Have Less
• The Endless Streaming Cycle: From Binge-Watching to Burnout
• The Battle Against Aging: Creams, Serums, and Unrealistic Expectations
• The Festival of Fads: Detoxes, Cleanses, and Other Health Mysteries
• The Tyranny of the Tidy: Marie Kondo and the Quest to Declutter
• The Irony of Connectivity: Lonelier in a More Connected World
• The Mirage of the “Perfect” Family on Social Media
• The Paradox of Choice in the Modern Consumer Society
• The DIY Disaster: When Pinterest Dreams Face Reality
• The Pursuit of Happiness Through Retail Therapy
• The Sacred Rituals of the Morning Routine YouTube Gurus
• The Mock Election: Satirizing Political Campaign Promises
• The Superhero Syndrome: The Oversaturation of Comic Book Movies
• The Great Organic Odyssey: Is It Really Better?
• The Exotic Pet Epidemic: From Tigers to Tarantulas
• The High Seas of Hobby Collecting: From Stamps to Sneakers
• The Dystopia of Driverless Cars: Are We There Yet?
• The Parable of the Paperless Office: More Paper Than Ever

Analyzing the Subject Matter for Potential Angles of Satire

Once you’ve selected a topic, the next step is to analyze it for satirical potential. Begin by identifying the subject’s inherent absurdities, hypocrisies, or contradictions. This critical examination allows you to uncover potential angles for satirical commentary. For example, in political satire, you might focus on discrepancies between a politician’s words and actions. In cultural satire, you could highlight the extremes of societal trends. This stage is vital as it sets the foundation for your satirical approach, shaping the direction and tone of your essay.

Remember, the goal is to provoke thought and discussion by presenting familiar issues in a new, humorous light. Your analysis should strike a balance between humor and insight, ensuring that your satire resonates with the audience while offering a fresh perspective on the topic.

Writing the Essay

Writing a satirical essay involves a strategic combination of humor, criticism, and a well-structured satirical essay outline . Begin with an engaging introduction that captures the essence of your satire. This could include an anecdote, a surprising fact, or a bold statement setting your essay’s tone. The introduction should culminate in a clear, concise thesis statement that encapsulates your satirical stance.

As you move into the body of your essay, each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or example of your topic. This is where you can showcase different types of satire, such as irony, exaggeration, or parody, to strengthen your argument. Use vivid and descriptive language to paint a clear picture for your readers. Incorporating real-life examples or referencing satirical essay examples can illustrate your points. Balancing humor with factual information is important, ensuring your essay is entertaining and informative.

Consider using various rhetorical strategies to enhance your satire when developing your argument. Techniques like hyperbole can exaggerate your topic’s absurdities, while irony can highlight contradictions and inconsistencies. Sarcasm can add a sharp edge to your critique. Remember, the goal is to provoke thought and encourage a deeper understanding of the subject matter through humor.

In the concluding paragraph, summarize the main points of your essay, reinforcing your satirical message. The conclusion should echo your thesis and leave a lasting impression on the reader. A well-crafted conclusion will tie all your ideas together, emphasizing the significance of your satire and its impact on the reader’s perception of the topic.

Throughout your essay, maintain a consistent tone and style. The best satire essays are those that blend wit with wisdom, using humor as a tool to shed light on serious topics.

What is a Satirical Essay: Examples of Satirical Essays

The satirical essay genre blends humor with incisive social commentary. This essay leverages wit to critique everything from political policies to societal norms, often revealing underlying truths in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.

A classic satire essay example is Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal ,” a pinnacle of Juvenalian satire. Swift’s essay, known for its biting and ironic tone, suggests that the impoverished Irish could alleviate their financial woes by selling their children as delicacies to the wealthy. This preposterous idea is not a whimsical musing but a sharp indictment of the brutal British policies towards the Irish and a comment on the apathy of the Irish people to their own plight.

This essay is a prime illustration of how to start a satire essay. Swift adopts a grave and sincere tone to advance an absurd proposition. This stark contrast between his tone and the ludicrousness of his proposal accentuates the absurdity of the situation he critiques. This strategic use of irony, where the true intent is veiled behind an opposite statement, is common in satirical essays. It allows writers to deliver powerful critiques in an engaging and impactful manner.

Another form of satire is Horatian satire, deriving its name from the Roman poet Horace. This type of satire differs from the abrasive Juvenalian style. A more playful, lighthearted approach characterizes Horatian satire. It tends to poke fun at human foibles and follies without aiming to cause distress or provoke significant change. It’s a more subdued and humorous satire, intending more to amuse than agitate.

For authors drafting a satirical essay, the choice of satire type is vital. It should align with both the subject matter and the intended message.

By analyzing seminal works like Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,” writers can learn to employ satire, creating works that are not just humorous but also insightful and thought-provoking. Effective satire has the power to be an influential tool for social commentary and change, making it a valuable and enduring form of literary expression.

Fine Line Between Satire and Offensiveness

Navigating the delicate boundary separating satire from offensiveness is paramount. While satire wields the potential for profound impact, it teeters on the edge of insensitivity. Responsible satirists know their audience and the broader context, ensuring their work critiques without inflicting harm. When addressing sensitive subjects, a delicate equilibrium is required. Satire becomes a tool for enlightenment rather than alienation or offense, using humor to shed light on societal issues without causing undue distress.

Concluding Thoughts: The Art of Writing the Satire Essay

In summary, the art of satire is a powerful yet intricate tool, merging humor with sharp social observation. Its core objective is to question established norms and provoke self-reflection. To write an effective satire essay, one must balance insightful critique with an approach that avoids offending. This genre requires a delicate touch, using wit and irony to make a point. An essential aspect of crafting a satirical piece involves creating a well-structured outline that supports the satirical thesis while engaging the reader. The creators and consumers of satire need to appreciate its significant potential to influence and its inherent responsibility towards society. Satire is not a literary device but a call to use its capabilities with wisdom and consideration.

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What is Satire? Examples, Definition, and How to Write Satire

by Fija Callaghan

You’ve probably come across satire in your daily life without even realizing it. From contemporary pop culture platforms like Saturday Night Live to the hand-drawn caricatures artists use to pull in the tourists, satire is everywhere.

But what does satire mean, exactly, and where does it come from? Can it ever be useful to us as poets and fiction writers? Keep reading for everything you need to know about this contentious literary device.

What is satire?

Satire is a literary genre which uses a fictitious lens to ridicule or draw attention to real-world failings, especially societal or political issues. Satirical stories often use elements like irony, hyperbole, and juxtaposition to show the reader the innate silliness or degradation in a person, group of people, or societal value.

For example, if you want to take a stand against a corrupt and dangerous political party, you could write a story about a ridiculous and lecherous king who inadvertently drives his kingdom into poverty. Or, if you want to draw attention to the arbitrariness of racial segregation, you could write a satire about a society in which people are judged by whether they were born at an even-numbered hour or an odd one.

By taking an element of the world around you that you disagree with and amplifying it, you can convey a real and powerful social commentary to your readers.

What’s the difference between satire and parody?

Satire and parody have a lot in common, and it’s easy to get them confused. Sometimes, they even overlap. The main difference between satire and parody is the message they’re trying to convey to their audience.

A parody emulates another work or body of work using exaggeration and humor. The purpose of a parody is to entertain. For example, Scary Movie is a parody of the horror movie genre, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a parody of Jane Austen’s famous novel. Rather than relying on deep, thought-provoking themes, these parodies use comedy to create a fun reading or viewing experience.

A satire, on the other hand, is a form of social criticism. While it often uses humor (though not always—we’ll look at the different types of satire below), its purpose is to make the audience think about a social issue in a new way or draw attention to aspects of these issues that have been problematic.

For instance, a satire of the horror movie genre would probably be less funny and more focused on asking questions about why people are drawn to body horror, or why certain tropes so often feature minority identities. In other words, satire is meant to get people thinking critically about human nature. And Pride and Prejudice is already a satire! It uses humor to poke fun at the constricting marriage conventions and social politics of the time.

Types of satire in literature

We tend to think of satire as one literary genre, but did you know there are actually a few different kinds? Here’s a closer look at the different types of satire you’ll find across history.

Horatian satire

Horatian satire, popularized by the Roman poet Horace, is a lighthearted and comic way of poking fun at the foibles of human nature. While this type of satire encourages its audience to examine their own errors of judgement and grow, the social criticism tends to be on a more personal level—Horatian satire isn’t trying to bring about a widespread cultural change.

Contemporary examples of Horatian satire are tongue-in-cheek news platforms like The Onion or The Colbert Report . Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift—one of recent history’s most notable satirists—is a famous example from classic literature. Today, this is generally what we think of when we think of the word satire.

Juvenalian satire

If you think Juvenalian satire is juvenile, you’re off the mark—the name comes from the poet Juvenal. This type of satire is dark, bitter, and carries a core message: something is very wrong in the world today, and Imma tell you why.

Juvenalian satire isn’t meant to make the reader laugh, but rather to draw the reader’s attention to problems in contemporary culture. You’ll often find this type of satire in dystopian fiction. For example, The Hunger Games can be seen as a Juvenalian satire of reality television and celebrity culture.

Menippean satire

Menippean satire comes from the philosopher Menippus, and refers to satirical writing that explores broad, general flaws in humanity. Traditionally, these often denounced the problems in upper class intellectualism and elitist attitudes towards the working class. However, Menippean satire can also be used as a lens through which to examine contemporary issues like homophobia, agoraphobia, or racism.

This type of satire can overlap with Horatian and Juvenalian satire, and it can be amusing or bleak. Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland , which pokes fun at the pastimes of the Victorian elite, is an example of Menippean satire.

Visual satire

Visual satire communicates satirical perspectives through a visual lens, like animation or comic books. The most common examples of these are political cartoons, in which the artist says a lot of big ideas in only a moment. Cartoons like The Simpsons often communicate social and political satire in a visual way, as do comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes .

If you’re writing a comic book or graphic novel, you have a wide range of visual literary devices available to you. Even if you’re writing a satirical prose novel, remember that your cover illustration can communicate to your deeper meaning, too.

Examples of satire from popular culture

Here are some more examples of beloved satires—the dark and the light—across classic literature.

Temporary by Hilary Leichter

If you’re of a certain generation and have crossed paths with a computer in the past decade or so, you’ve probably come across the toxic buzzphrase of corporate nightmare, “Hustle culture.” The protagonist of Leichter’s novel yearns for the one thing all little girls dream of: a steady job with benefits. Unfortunately, her career is one of being thrown from one temp role to another, which include becoming a department store mannequin, pirate, surrogate mother, and personal assistant to an assassin, among other jobs.

Temporary both mocks and illuminates the way attitudes towards the millennial workforce, job security, and career advancement have changed, making the reader laugh and ask probing questions at the same time—exactly as a good satire should.

Self Care by Leigh Stein

In today’s hustle-happy day in age (see previous), we could all use a little self care. However, there are those that take it a little too far in the name of Likes, free stuff, and artificial self-validation. Self Care follows the founders of a wellness community and app called “Richual,” in which people (read: love-starved women) can track their mindfulness minutes, “me time,” and other measurements of self care on the app, then compare results with all their friends. Nothing like a little competitive spirit to be your best self.

This novel is a rich satire of a personal practice which has, in recent years, become immeasurably commercialized. It encourages the reader to take a break from their phone and consider what self care really means.

Cold Comfort Farm by by Stella Gibbons

The oldest twentieth-century example on this list, Cold Comfort Farm was published in 1932 as an intentional satire of a certain genre of rural fiction—think the Brontë sisters, Jane Austen, and Lucy Maud Montgomery. The protagonist, Flora Poste, is a meddling city girl who moves in with her eccentric family in the sticks. The family consists of a cousin who’s a preacher just a bit off his rocker, a cousin who moons around the countryside quoting poetry, another cousin with a healthy dose of roguish charm, a cow named Pointless, etc., etc. And don’t forget the creepy crumbling manor house.

If this sounds familiar, that’s because these tropes have been done to death, which makes them fertile ground for satirical writing. This novel is a great example of how you can use a satirical approach to take tired clichés and give them a fresh lease on life.

How to incorporate satire into your own writing

As a literary style, satire can be a wonderful way to explore political issues and expose flaws in the world around us in a light-hearted, entertaining way. It can be thought-provoking, and even—the goal of all truly great literature—put into motion a real change.

Here are some things to keep in mind while you explore the long tradition of satiric storytelling.

Consider your core message

All satires have a message they’re trying to communicate with the reader—it could be the absurdity of the housing crisis, or the toxicity of the lengths some people will go for love. Try and pinpoint what social, personal, or political issue you want the reader to take notice of before you begin writing. Then, your entire story structure is built around this message.

Once you know what you’re trying to say, you can look for small details that you can enhance for dramatic effect (and we’ll look at how to do this down below).

Create an allegory

An allegory is a story within a story —an entertaining fictional narrative overlying a deeper true narrative. For example, Animal Farm is a story about a community of farm animals who come together after their farmers leave. It’s also a story about the politics of the Russian Revolution. George Orwell uses the family-friendly overstory to create an indirect satire of the political figures of the time.

If your core message is delicate or potentially inflammatory, consider if there’s another story you could use as a framing device to convey your message in a clear, accessible way.

Use irony and hyperbole for dramatic effect

Irony and hyperbole are the cornerstones of satiric writing. Hyperbole, or extreme exaggeration to make a point, draws the reader’s attention to certain aspects of the work (you see this a lot in cartoons and other satiric art forms). By taking these aspects to their extreme, you encourage your reader to re-examine them in their own lives.

Irony achieves a similar effect. By using words or scenes that convey the opposite of what the reader or character expects, you encourage readers to question why those expectations exist in the first place. You can read more about using irony as a literary device here .

Use symbolism and metaphor

Satire is rich in symbolism and metaphor beyond its literal meaning. Very often, objects, characters, and places in a satire mean something other than what they first appear as. An expensive handbag could be a metaphor for the global disparity of wealth, or a shoebox filled with childhood memorabilia could be symbolic of coming of age in a rapidly shifting society.

When writing your satire (and particularly in the revision process), look for places in which you can heighten your story’s message using these thought-provoking literary devices.

Convey theme—not cruelty

It’s super important to remember that satire is a vehicle for social change—not a cheap opportunity to tear people down. Try to frame your message around ideas, social frameworks, and cultural beliefs rather than specific people. And instead of using your writing to simply say, “This sucks,” try saying “This sucks—but we can do something about it.”

Consider your destination, not just the vehicle.

Satire is a tool for humor, social commentary, and widespread change

Satire is a great literary genre for making people laugh—but it can also be used to explore serious topics and real-life cultural issues the world is facing today. You can convey satire through hyperbole, metaphor, and other literary devices, and through it, encourage people to think about society in a fresh and critical way.

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Full Guide: How to Write a satire Essay

A satire essay is one of the most complicated academic papers you will ever write. It requires not only a good grasp of language, but also the ability to use irony and hyperbole to get your point across. TheGreatAndrew, a leading satire essay writing service , has researched the intricacies of satirical writing to bring you up to speed. Learn how to write a satire essay here!

What is a Satire Essay?

A satire essay is an academic essay that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to point out a social problem. George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an excellent example of how you can write a satirical essay and express your thoughts.

Purpose of a Satire Essay

A satirical essay is primarily intended to point out weaknesses, absurdities and vices, such as corruption, gender stereotypes and other social issues. It does this with humor, irony, parody, exaggeration, and sarcasm.

Instructors will assign satire essays to help you think creatively and critically about various social issues. By learning how to write a satire essay , you can also improve your ability to use literary techniques such as irony.

Types of Satire Essays

There are many types of satire essays, mainly differ in tone. 

A horatian satire , for example, uses light-hearted humor to expose social problems. In contrast, a Juvenalian satire uses an aggressive style to expose social ills.

Other common types of satire essays that our satire essay helpers work on are:

• Menippean satire
• Social satire
• Burlesque satire
• Ironic satire
• Parody satire
• Political satire

Format of a Satire Essay

The format of a satire essay is similar to that of an ordinary academic paper. It consists of three main parts – an introduction, a main body and a conclusion.

The introduction gives an overview of the topic you are satirizing. It also contains your thesis. In the body of the satire essay, you present your satirical point of view, and the conclusion summarizes your essay.

How to Write a Satirical Essay: The Writing Process

If you want to write a satire essay that will be graded well, you should go through your assignment. The brief will help you determine the topic, tone, and points to emphasize. The brief also contains all the information you need to stay on track with your writing.

After reading the brief, follow these steps to get the job done:

• Research your topic. Research your topic thoroughly. Your research should focus on the topic or issue you want to satirize, including its history, causes, and effects. This will give you a solid foundation for your satire.
• Create an outline. Create an outline that will guide you through the writing process. Think about what angles you could take to highlight societal ills. Then organize your ideas into a clear and logical structure that includes an introduction, paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Write your satire essay. Begin writing your essay. Start with the introduction and work your way through each paragraph to the conclusion. Remember to use humor, hyperbole, and irony to make your point and appeal to your audience.

How to Write a Satire Essay: How to Format

When writing a satire essay, you can use different formatting styles. The formatting you choose will depend on your instructor and your academic discipline. Assuming your instructor does not specify which formatting style you should use, you can use the following outline as a guide:

• AMA (American Medical Association) is appropriate for medical papers
• APA (American Psychological Association) is suitable for psychology and sociology papers.
• ASA is for sociology and social sciences
• Chicago is for humanities
• Harvard / Turabian is suitable for natural and social sciences
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Style) is ideal for technical work, e.g. in the computer sciences
• MLA (Modern Language Association) is for the humanities

How to Write a Satire Essay: Importance of Writing

Learning how to write a satirical essay has many benefits. For one, the essay enhances your wit by encouraging you to convey messages satirically and ironically.

In addition, satire essay writing has other benefits, including:

• Better communication. To write a satirical essay, you need to analyze your audience and know the right language to use to communicate with them. This process makes you a better communicator who knows the right message for a particular audience.
• Stimulate the conversation. Satire essays are often controversial and thought-provoking. They can lead to meaningful discussions and debates about social issues such as corruption, politics, gender inequality and more.
• Improved writing skills. Writing a satire requires a strong understanding of language and tone. Learning how to write a satirical essay will sharpen your ability to write persuasively.
• Sharpen your creativity. Writing a satire essay can take your imagination to a higher level. It challenges you to think outside the box and find creative and witty ways to get your point across.
• Improves your understanding of social issues. Writing a satire essay encourages you to analyze and critique social, political or cultural issues in a satirical way. After writing a few essays, you will develop a deeper understanding of various social issues.

How to Write a Satire Essay: Top Writing Tips

According to our experienced writers who are paid to write essays , writing a good satire essay starts with reading and understanding the evaluation rubric. Understand the purpose of the assignment, the deadline, the format, and the grading criteria. These guidelines will keep you on the right track.

Use the following instructions and tips as a benchmark for writing an essay that will earn the highest score:

• Research the topic. In order to write a successful satire essay, you should know exactly the topic you want to write about. Do your research and gather relevant information. Once you understand it, you will find it easy to write.
• Choose a strong topic. As a rule, you should choose a topic that is relevant, interesting and has the potential to generate humor. With such a topic, it will be easy for you to write an enticing satire.
• Use humor professionally. Humor is a key element of satire, but you should not abuse it. Always make sure it is appropriate, relevant and contributes to the overall message of your essay.
• Structure your essay properly. A well-structured essay is easier to follow and more engaging to read. If you ask us, “write me a satire essay,” our expert believes that structure is a prerequisite for a good grade. Use clear paragraphs, transition words and a strong introduction and conclusion.
• Editing and proofreading. Once you have finished working on your essay, you should edit and proofread it. Look for spelling and grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and sentence structure problems and correct them.

How to Write a Satire Essay: Common Mistakes Students Make When Writing

Misusing satire is one of the biggest mistakes students make when writing a satire essay. Although the essay is meant to be humorous, the wrong use of satire will offend your target audience. You will not get the highest score with such an essay.

Other common mistakes students make when writing a satire are:

• They do not understand the audience. The audience determines the tone in which you deliver your message. So if you do not understand your audience, you are likely to use a style that will not resonate with them.
• You choose an irrelevant topic. A satire essay should criticize topics that are relevant to society, politics, or culture. A trivial topic makes the satire essay unserious.
• Lack of a clear thesis. A thesis is just as important in a satire essay as it is in any other academic paper. Without it, your satire can become confusing.
• To be too broad. Satire is most effective when it focuses on a specific topic. If you cover too many ideas in a single satire essay, the impact of the message will be diluted. Your essay will become unfocused.
• Forget proofreading and editing. A satire essay requires the same attention to detail as any other academic paper. Neglecting proofreading and editing can lead to errors that affect the quality of your satire essay.

How to Choose Topics for Your Satire Essays

When selecting a topic for your satire essay, choose one that is relevant and meaningful to your audience. Look for topics that are currently being debated or discussed in politics or popular culture.

Once you have found a potential topic, think about how you can comment on or criticize the issue with humor, irony, or hyperbole. This is the simple process when you ask us, “do my satire essay.”

Examples of Satire Essay Topics

Some top topics for satire essays ordered by students are:

• The absurdity of modern politics
• The folly of celebrity worship
• The stupidity of conspiracy theories
• The hypocrisy of religious extremism
• The insanity of bureaucracy

How Long Should a Satire Essay be?

A satire essay can be between a few hundred and several thousand words long. The length depends on the depth of the satire and the target audience. Your assignment will always specify the actual word count.

However, if the professor gives you the word count, you can use the following as a guide:

• High school: 250 – 1,000 words
• College: 250 – 1,000 words
• University: 750 – 1,250 words
• Masters: 750 – 1,250 words
• PhD: 750 – 1,250 words

Learn More on How to Write a Satire Essay

We are your go-to source for your “ write my satire essay” request. We handle various coursework including essays, dissertations, and research papers. Our team consists of experts from various academic fields. Each of them specializes in their field to provide you with the best assistance. So, you can be sure that they will help you write a top-notch satire essay that will get a good grade.

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FAQs About Satire Essay Writing

Here you will find short answers to frequently asked questions about writing satire essays.

What are some typical target audiences for satire essays?

The target audience for satire essays can be politicians, corporate executives, the public, or religious organizations.

What techniques are used when writing a satire essay?

There are several techniques used when writing a satire essay. The most common include exaggeration, irony, parody, and sarcasm.

How do you strike a balance between humor and seriousness in a satire essay?

An excellent way to achieve this balance is to use humor sparingly while keeping the audience’s emotions in mind.

Full Guide: How to Write a Response essay

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How to Write a Satire Essay

If you do not have the slightest idea of writing a sarcasm essay, study this full post to gain in-depth knowledge of what this educational task requires, how to begin, and finish it. Composing such a piece requires you to apply funniness to clarify particular issues. The essay can be complicated and hard to draft if you do not understand the basics.

The trick to crafting a high-quality piece is to employ humor to illustrate or explain controversial human problems or inadequacies on the subject matter.

Perhaps the extensively renowned satirical essays are expounded on political situations. An ideal instance of a practical satirical article is Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update. The information introduced is authentic, yet the truths are misrepresented and curved in a manner that conjures a comic disposition.

In some instances, a professor might not give a specific topic. However, monitoring existing subjects and occasions that cover a particular circumstance or theme can give you pointers on what to draft about. It’s hard to determine what news is satirical in a political setting. Therefore, you have to explore reliable data to support your claims.

Table of Contents

What is a Satire Essay?

A satire essay definition denotes a kind of writing whereby the theme is mocked. Literary devices such as hyperbole, imagery, sarcasm, and irony are used to make the article more vibrant and intriguing. While such a paper can have a word limit of 250, it can extend and cover several pages depending on the instructor.

Guidelines on How to Write a Good Satire Essay

“How do I compose an intriguing satire essay?” It is among the top queries that learners who are encountering this article for the first time ask. Although acing such a task is essential, the ideal way to make your essay attractive is to add humor and hyperbole. Some of the top satire essay guidelines that will ensure your work is top-notch include:

Comprehend your assignment. Before you start composing a satire essay, it’s critical to understand its essential prerequisites and rules.

Utilize the principal storyteller’s point of view. Storytelling works to create a vivid picture so that the professor understands quickly. It’s also a way to avoid miscommunication.

Write an outline of what you want to discuss and ensure you follow them keenly. It helps to stay focused on your writing.

Top 4 Tips for Writing a Satire Essay

If you do not know how to compose a satire essay worthy of a good grade, then you might create content that makes you come off as rude. To avoid that, here are some satire essay tips that can help you compose quality content.

Use ethos, logos, and pathos for each contention you present to convince the professor. Ethos advises individuals regarding their convictions and issue. Logos demonstrate to the group of spectators with certainties and insights. Tenderness brings out sentiments and suitable feelings to the topic: compassion, sympathy, trouble, etc.

You need to figure out how to utilize parody and incongruity in the most tolerant manner with no hostile comments. It ensures that you do not cause any offense.

• Counterclaims

Utilize counter contention to challenge and convince the reader. For starters, they will consider you an expert essayist since you present a goal analysis instead of adhering to just your assumptions. The counterclaim will assist you with looking at the issue from another point of view. Besides, it’s essential for you as an author to demonstrate why the counterclaim won’t work.

• Trustworthy sources

To compose a satire essay requires one to use credible sources that act as proof to support your arguments.

Experts Guidelines on How to Start a Satire Essay

Conceptualizing is a ground-breaking framework for finishing any scholarly task, and it’s instrumental in designing your satire essay. Try an air pocket outline. This primary and successful instrument empowers word relationships with reasonable topics to bring out numerous pertinent components and pick the best ones.

It will assist you in choosing how to move toward your task. After selecting a decent topic for your paper, build up a solid theory to grab readers’ eye, and come to your meaningful conclusion.

Expert Tips on How to End a Satire Essay

Keep in mind, composing a satirical essay can be enjoyable. It should mirror your genuine beliefs on the current issue. Much like intelligent essay writing, you have some innovative opportunity when composing a satire essay.

Make sure to back up your feelings with credible proof about the subject matter. That is the thing that makes it successful – joining actual solid facts with a turn that impacts readers to think a specific way. Sarcastic composing is exceptionally powerful and obstinate, so when perusing your last draft, ensure that you can feel a draw of influence.

An Excellent Satire Essay Outline

For the most part, in the satire essay format, it is critical to comprehend the assignment before you start composing the task. Have you been approached to caricature a specific topic or a particular zone of culture? To what extent should your essay be? Is there any specialized prerequisite that you have to know to finish your paper? What style ought to administer your configuration decisions? Do you have to compose things as an outsider looking in?

The Perfect Satire Essay Structure

Like any other piece of writing, this type of essay is not different. It follows the same structure to come up with a winning piece. An organized essay is classified into three portions. These are:

• The introduction;
• Conclusion.

The content for each section is discussed in the text below.

The Perfect Satire Essay Introduction

With regards to your essay’s introduction, ensure your opening sentences motivate the professor to read further. You may begin with a smart adventure or even a statement from a renowned person.

Concerning how to compose the first paragraph for a satire essay, give your perspective and a short explanation concerning why you chose that subject. Challenge the feelings of your group of spectators and encourage them to uncover their sentiments in this fragment.

Writing Your Satire Essay Body

Concerning your satire essay structure, the body utilizes the ELP strategy. What is the ELP procedure? The condensing’s represent ethos, logos, and pathos:

• Ethos: This is where the issue is characterized, and the importance is explained to one’s crowd utilizing satirical elements like mockery to uncover shortcomings, for example, lip service. In this segment, you also need to portray your thinking and discover your perspective towards the current issue.
• Logos: This is the part of your essay where you have to give your readers genuine proof. Parodies are intended for people; however, this joke must be joined by precise data. In this way, in this area, you have to present the subsequent contention and afterward back it up with facts.
• Pathos: Emotions with regards to these sorts of essays, are viewed as fundamental. In the third paragraph, try to deliver content that will make anyone giggle hard.

The Perfect Satire Essay Conclusion

This section of your essay repeats your hypotheses and afterward thinks of a sensible clarification to the contention.

Order Your Satire Essay Today!

From picking a topic, choosing things that appear to be absurd, composing the essay, and writing this essay can be overpowering. In such scenarios, we are here to help. Our academic essay writers can assist you at any phase in the composing procedure, regardless of whether it is conceptualizing thoughts or composing a custom satirical essay based on a specific topic. To get a high-quality essay that improves academic performance, get in touch with us today!

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Writing a Satire Essay: Guide and Examples

Satire has many forms that can be used to write works practically about any topic. Knowing where to start can be tricky if you have never encountered similar tasks at school before. But there’s no need to worry! Our team has developed this helpful guide for such an occasion. We will explain the basics of satirical essays and provide valuable tips on making them.

This article will also provide plenty of topic ideas on popular themes to make your work less stressful. You’ll also get to check out several satire essay examples that can serve as an inspiration for your work. Use our guide to make your paper come out great!

😁 The Basics of Satirical Essays

🔎 types of satire, 📝 writing a satire essay.

• 💡 Best Satirical Topics
• 🤩 Satire Essay Examples

📎 References

The American historian Barbara W. Tuchman states, “Satire is a wrapping of exaggeration around a core of reality.” This quote perfectly describes this exciting and controversial genre. But what is the definition of satire anyway? It’s the art of making something ridiculous, laughable, or discrediting. Satire is one of the oldest literary genres, dating back to Ancient Greece and the rhetorician Quintallian . It has different types, but their purpose is largely the same.

You can use satire to make fun of political ideologies, excessive militarism, or the pitfalls of modern society.

That’s precisely what many authors like George Orwell, Terry Pratchett, Joseph Heller, and Jaroslaw Hasek did in their works. They give a funhouse mirror look at real or fictional concepts and, sometimes, a mix of both.

Every essay type has an essential role, and this one is no exception. A satire essay serves the same purpose as its larger counterparts. It lets you poke fun or criticize things you find absurd. A paper can ridicule anything from the agony of bureaucratic procedures and nonsensical laws to the media climate and pop culture scene. It allows you to voice your opinion on these matters in a lighthearted and fun way.

Essentially, you can use three types of satire in your essays. Check them out before approaching a new piece of writing. This way, you’ll better select the most suitable for your subject and writing style .

Writing a satirical essay has much in common with other examples of this genre. You need an introduction, body paragraphs , and a conclusion. This section outlines the steps that will help you in this process. Read on to learn how to perfect your satire essay!

• Step 1 : Select a topic. Find a subject that’s preferably already ridiculous or ironic. Your goal is to make it look even more exaggerated. Political c artoons are an excellent place to find a suitable theme for your essay.
• Step 2 : Make your point through a hyperbole. Keep in mind that a hyperbolizing doesn’t necessarily mean lying. Instead, exaggerate the facts to highlight how absurd they are. For example, you can talk about how Norway’s economy is thriving thanks to the sheer amount of salmon they consume yearly.
• Step 3 : Present your ideas through irony . This literary device uses words and phrases to tell the opposite of what they mean. It allows you to show a disconnect between someone’s expectations and what happens in reality.
• Step 4 : Make it humorous. Keeping up a light tone can be challenging. But you should still do your best, as humor is a great way to get people to side with you and accept your position on an issue. It can win people over faster than weighted and meticulously explained opinions.

💡 Best Satirical Topics for an Essay

A satirical essay can be about any theme you like, from literary works to global events. To keep you from losing your head in this sea of possibilities, we’ve decided to present some of the funniest and most engaging topics for your writings.

But before we get started, here are some ideas on how you can come up with a cool satirical topic for your paper:

✅ Personal Experiences. Reflect on the moments from your life that struck you as odd or downright hilarious. Maybe it’s when you mistook a raccoon for your neighbor’s cat. Funny experiences often harbor unique insights that, when shared, can resonate with others due to their unexpected humor.

✅ Social Norms and Expectations . Explore instances when societal norms clash with reality. Let’s imagine your coworkers dressed in regular clothes to work while you and your friend dressed in Halloween outfits. By dissecting these contradictions, you can craft a story that entertains and subtly challenges societal norms.

✅ Current Events and Trends . Take a satirical lens to recent happenings, whether it’s an obsession with a new TikTok trend or an outfit from Rihanna or Doja Cat that other influencers are rushing to copy. Amplify the absurdity of these events to highlight their often-overlooked humorous side while satirizing the public’s reactions surrounding them.

✅ Everyday Life Observations . Delve into the nuances of daily life that typically go unnoticed. It could be the funny habits of your soulmate or people’s behavior on public transportation or elevators. By magnifying these quirks, you can reveal the hilarity and peculiarity of the routines we take for granted.

School and Education Satire Topics

• How to master Google search for your academic pursuits.
• The art of procrastination : How to avoid studying until the last minute.
• How to ace an exam without studying.
• The myth of a perfect student and how it wrecks the lives of collegegoers.
• A satirical look at the pitfalls of contemporary American education.
• College application essays: The most needless thing and how to ace it.
• Why you should spend years earning a degree you’ll never use.
• Group projects and how to survive them.
• Funny utopian school: Where homework is banned and recess is eternal.
• The unfair world of homework assignments.

Technology and Social Media Satire Topics

• The Me generation: How social media raises an army of narcissists.
• Informational addiction: Truth or even scarier truth?
• Why you should post everything online.
• Artificial Intelligence : Our doom or salvation?
• The virtues of being a social media star.
• Social media and its effect on your personal life.
• How to wreck your life with Facebook.
• TikTok and the modern media contagion.
• Top 10 apps that ruin your life.
• How to live one day without technology and stay sane.

Historical Satire Topics

• A satirical look at the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
• The Third Reich’s WWII propaganda: A study in ridiculousness.
• Fighting for peace: A short look at the arms race.
• “Let them eat cake” and other phrases that changed history.
• Historical influence of satire on the American Dream perception.
• How the Cold War shaped American satire of the late 20th century.
• Medieval gun control: Unsheathing the hilarity of sword registry laws.
• The rise of authoritarianism and political satire.
• 1812 and the folly of Napoleon.
• Slavery in the land of the free.

Politics and Government Satire Topics

• The wonderful world of the two-party system.
• Political promises: A study in honesty and integrity.
• A satirical look at the theatrics of political ads.
• The department of bureaucratic ballet: A satirical look at the government’s efficiency.
• How the US bureaucracy became the monster everybody loves to hate.
• A crash course in gaining political power without the fuss of democracy .
• Political dodgeball: Avoiding questions made easy.
• Ingenious solutions: How politicians promise to solve everything with catchy slogans.
• How to survive your next Thanksgiving dinner.
• How political division brings a country together.

Social Issues Satire Topics

• Ten ways to avoid pressing social issues and feel good about yourself.
• Why pulling yourself by the bootstraps no longer works.
• Eating your way to a healthier life.
• The luxury guide to poverty: How to embrace destitution with style.
• How to become an effective cyberbully.
• The selfie pandemic: A guide to self-obsession.
• Unemployment reality shows: Who wants to be a broke millionaire?
• Remaining private in a globally connected world.
• How to become a cut-throat millionaire.
• The great overpopulation and its humorous consequences.

Literature Satire Topics

• How to bore your audience while looking important.
• Outdated language: Making dictionaries cool again.
• Crafting complex plots with just simple literary techniques.
• A masterclass in confusing storytelling.
• How to write a novel that people won’t buy.
• The art of long-winded narrative in Stephen King novels.
• Endings that made you throw books out the window.
• Breaking the fourth wall and hilarious in-text solutions.
• How to talk about books without reading them.
• A guide to nonsensical plot twists.

🤩 Fantastic Satire Essay Examples

As we all know, theory is good but practice makes perfect. This is why we want to offer you these satire essay examples. Carefully reading through them will help you understand the elements they use and what makes them work. We suggest that you also try your hand at writing essays on these topics – compare them to our samples and see where you can improve!

• Failed Leadership Can Only Be Whipped by Satire George Orwell used Animal Farm to critique totalitarian regimes that oppress the masses. The work pokes fun at many authoritarian movements, from fascism to communism, with a strong and charismatic leader usurping the top position and gaining full power. But most prominently it’s an attack on the October Revolution and the rise of Joseph Stalin as the leader. On a broader scale, Animal Farm serves as a satire of communism that ultimately didn’t meet the high expectations that the USSR’s citizens anticipated. Each character symbolizes a class or type of individual with strong and weak character traits. The novel’s antagonist, Master Jones, represents the bourgeoisie that exploits workers to death. The animals, a.k.a the proletariat, revolt and overthrow his iron rule. While things seem better for a while, thanks to the efforts and philosophy of a pig called Old Major, everything quickly turns for the worse. That soon results in many tragic events and the farm falling into the hands of another pig named Napoleon. He usurps the prime position much like Joseph Stalin did from Leo Trotsky . Any mentions of his political rival are met with brutal retaliation. Pretty soon, nobody remembers the original ideas that spearheaded the revolution. Ultimately, the pigs take over the farm and start to resemble humans. It is a masterful allegory of the oppressed becoming the oppressors. Animals become rulers of the farm, but most live in the same squalor they started with. Of course, nobody who is “ more equal than others ” ever complains.
• Political Satire and Stephen Colbert Political satire has been around almost since the dawn of American independence. Over the past couple of decades, it has become a favorite subject of many shows, including the subject of this essay — Stephen Colbert . His The Colbert Report is a prime example of how to criticize the political climate with the right amount of humor and heart. Colbert’s approach to satire pulls no punches as he famously mocked former President George Bush Jr. during a White House Correspondent Dinner. He criticized Bush’s actions, lifestyle, beliefs, and foreign policy decisions. He especially criticized the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties. Stephen Colbert used an ironic approach to discuss such issues to draw attention to them. While this was done lightheartedly, many people sided with Colbert. That allowed him to influence public opinion without being directly involved in politics. And Colbert always encouraged his viewers to do the right thing. Even though The Colbert Report ended in 2014, the man himself remains popular with American audiences. His current Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert enjoys millions of subscribers on YouTube and hundreds of millions of views. His previous program is still popular, with new people discovering it daily.

Thank you for reading our article. Hopefully, it helped you create a perfect satire essay. And if you need to find more ideas for your work, try out our essay topic generator !

❓ Satirical Essay FAQ

What is a satire essay.

A satirical essay sheds light on the absurdities of comical aspects of life. They are often used to criticize or make fun of a concept, a person, or a trend. This type of writing utilizes literary devices of irony and hyperbole to emphasize its message. Political satire is the most popular type in this field.

How to Start a Satire Essay?

Like any essay, it should start with an introduction. Here, you explain the theme of your work and what you want to shed light upon, be it a person, an event, or a concept. A good intro starts with a hook sentence for readers. Make it fun and engaging, and they’ll likely continue reading your satirical essay.

How to Write a Satire Essay?

First, find the right topic to make the subject of your essay. Second, use hyperbole and irony to point out the ridiculous aspects of the theme. You can check out examples of satirical papers to understand how these literary devices work. Finally, make the writing full of humor to drive your point home.

• What is Satire? || Definition & Examples. – Evan Gottlieb, Oregon State University
• 7 Satire Techniques With Tips. – Indeed
• The Process for Setting up a Satire Essay. – Loudoun County Public Schools
• What Is Satire? How to Use Satire in Literature, Pop Culture, and Politics—Plus Tips on Using Satire in Writing. – MasterClass
• Satirical Writing. – Del Donno, Lone Star College-University Park
• How to Write Satire. – Alex Baia
• 4 Ways to Come Up With a Great Essay Idea. – Oxford Royale Academy
• How to Use Satire, Sarcasm, and the Power of Contrast to Expand Your Writing Repertoire. – Dawn Bevier, Medium
• Writing Satire Is Harder Than You Think. – Jeff Goins, Writer
• Choosing a Topic. – The On-Campus Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University

• How it works
• Top Writers
• TOP Writers

How To Write A Satire Essay

This article will guide you on how to write a satire essay in detail and will explain what a satire essay is as well as show you some examples. The text uses satire to make you understand its main objective. Assignments on this topic are known to be the most challenging for most students. In these kinds of essays, students need to show their expertise in content and subject area. Similarly, they should use humor to point absurdities found in our real-life situations . Although satire essays are full of humor, there are those without or minimal instances of humor. Most of them are expressed in a serious tone which shows that readers should take them seriously.

There are advantages of writing these kinds of essays more so to those individuals wishing to master the art of writing. Once you have learned how to infuse irony, humor, and hyperbole, you will discover them not only being fun but also easy to write.

• Learning your Task

It’s crucial for you to understand every aspect of your writing assignment. You should be in a position to point out the following:

If your homework intends to satirize a given cultural topic

• The length of the essay

Our formatting guide will help you select the right format to use while writing your assignment. You might be in a dilemma not knowing whether to write your paper in first, second or third person point of view. For those who have never read satire essays before, you should consider reading the work of Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal who is well known for these types of pieces. If you are wondering where to find them, then consider the site “The Onion” which usually deals with the topics in politics.

While writing your assignment, incorporating satire enables you to write the essay in a first person’s point of view. This makes you point out issues in the society especially those concerning society and culture. Using an example where this article points women’s demeaning which is being explained by Trump’s Hollywood tapes leaked information (“Satire Essay,” 2019). Meme proposing that female gender should not oppose what amen say suggest that they are annoyed by his utterances. This is clearly shown through the work of E.L. James’s Fifty Shades of Gray showing a romantic relationship between female and male where the male is in total control and the woman is expected to submit to him.

Topics of Satire Essay

When writing a satire essay on any topics, it’s good to point out the significant events of culture and politics. The most common ideas you should consider while writing:

• Border Walls
• Hillary Clinton
• Donald Trump
• Barack Obama
• Immigration reform

A list of satirical topics is endless and if you are unsure of what to select contact our support team who are ready to help you any time.

Brainstorming of Any Satirical Essay

Any good essay writing process begins with brainstorming. Brainstorming is a useful tool for all essay writers that plays a significant role even in writing a satirical essay (“Satire Essay,” 2019). While there are familiar writing outlines employed in the initial stages of planning, there are other methods that work perfectly well when it comes to satire writing tasks. One of the tools that are commonly used and we like most is the use of a bubble map. A bubble map is a simple tool that would be used starting from elementary schools onwards. The tool associates words in line with your topic of interest. For instance, if you decide to write a bubble map for any prominent figure in the society say, Donald Trump, you will diversify and use words like businessman, father, married, adulterer, divorced, New York City, orange, billionaire, bombastic, real estate, and home alone.

You can see from the above bubble map how those words bring out elements that are associated with Donald Trump. When it comes to descriptive essays on a dog, there would be some words in the middle like the name of that given dog (“Satire Essay,” 2019). When using the bubble map, you should be aware that the words you choose should not be your own words you decide to use while writing your essay. The words used should aid in exposing an issue and further directs on the ways of approaching it satirically.

Thesis Statements in Satire Essays

After deciding on the right topic, you should then come up with a good thesis statement for your essay. You may be wondering what a thesis statement is. Thesis Statement is merely a road map of your piece that is always one or two sentences. It helps your readers understand the primary objective of your essay. Regardless of your essay type, the structure of your thesis statement always remains the same except in satire essay where it differs slightly. In satire essays, it is different unlike situations when one is proposing a real idea.

Below are some examples of Thesis Statements:

To ensure the safety of your jewelry, you need to be conspicuous on it, ensure valuable jewelry is stored in a vault or deposit box that is safe, also, do not travel with excessive jewelry than (Author: Kim Kardashian-West)

Having a successful marriage is extremely simple: you have to identify your second wife while married to your first wife and have more children with her before you get married. (Author: Brad Pitt)

From the above examples, it is clear that the most satirical element in the essay is the individual writing it. Also, the target audience can be part of the satire. When Jimmy Carter wrote to Trump a letter informing him not to worry of offending women is satirical in a way since both Jimmy and Trump are respected figures in the United States of America.  The case of Bill Clinton is writing a letter to Barrack Obama to guide him on how to be a good husband while in the White House is Irony in itself. This is because Obama is well known for his excellence in family matters and he is perceived to be an excellent husband too. On the other hand, Bill had a lousy legacy as he had an affair outside marriage while in office. Finally, criticisms of Maddona of Lady Gaga of publicity or even Peter Rose Criticizing Tom utilize all aspects of double-satire.

Resources for Satirical Essays

A wide range of satirical essays is based on events happening in the current century. Though citing them directly may not be compulsory at the moment, it is essential for you to know the real facts and issues that are associated with a given situation (“Satire Essay,” 2019). It is even ironical for you to identify the satiric news sites. In this modern time, this would be much more difficult to notice concerning political context. To avoid all these troubles, you need to be careful while selecting your topic and ensure your sources are unbiased and academically reliable.

It can be difficult finding a reliable source for your essay. To be sure you have the right sources, use the sources that are not more than three years old and from reputable publishers like newspapers, magazines, and .com and .org websites. However, you are free to use sources for more than three years old, but you should inform your readers of any change of information in the concerned period.

Additionally, you might have been discouraged to use sources like Wikipedia, Britannica, and Encyclopedia while doing your writing assignments. The advice is good as these sources are not regarded as reliable sources in the scholarly world. However, do not allow the ban to prevent you from using the references (“Satire Essay,” 2019). They can give an excellent overview of your topic and give you resources you can research for further information.  Google scholar is another great search engine that gives you an opportunity to limit the kind of resources you want to look at. With the above search engine, you can find either academic or scholarly articles and would support you in finding the best academic and scholarly writing.

Other generic sites like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC are also good sources of information while writing satire essays. Also, you can make use of other local and major networks as they are good sources of news. The above news channels have programs that are not sources but are both social and political commentary. While using these shows, you need to be careful as they sometimes present information to the readers in a biased way or give unreliable information. As you write be aware of possible biased information especially when selecting your sources.

Citing your Sources

If you decide to incorporate all your resources in your satirical essay, you will have to cite all academic sources to back-up any claim you make on certain political styles. If your essay is based on actual dates, rare facts, and figures, you need to cite all your sources. In such cases, you will be directed on the formats to use, or you will have to decide on your own . The most commonly used academic citation styles for undergraduate students are the American Psychology Association (APA), modern language association (MLA), and Turabian or Chicago. Unless in your assignment there are clear instructions on the type of format to use, go for the writing style you understand best.

Examples of Satire Essays

As a student, it’s easy for you to digest a concept if you are given an example. Thus, our model will not only help you understand how you can write an amazing satirical essay but will also help you master how you can format your essays correctly. On our site, you will get an excellent satirical essay. Just fill in the order form.

We hope that after reading our article on satire and using our provided examples, you will be more confident than before to confront any satire essay throughout your academic journey. Even after reading our article and examples you might still encounter challenges right from topic selection to completing your essay . Remember Tutoriage writing service is here for you. We have a complete team of tutors ready to help you in any challenge you encounter in your writing process from topic selection to writing a flawless piece. To get more insight, go to our website.

An Introduction to Satire: A Modest Proposal

by Kellie McGann | 34 comments

I was a junior in High School when I was first introduced to satire. I had been fluent in sarcasm for some time, but it was in my AP English class that I first became very, very confused.

We were instructed to come into the class, sit at our desks, and read the paper on our desks without speaking to one another. This wasn't abnormal, as our teacher often conducted weird class experiments. There on our desks was a thick packet with the cover page facing up, “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift.

A Modest Proposal: The Perfect Example of Satire

For those of you who have not read this piece, you must . ( I found a free version online here. )

While the class read through it, heads turned and concerned eyes met from students around the room. I remember rolling my eyes at a friend muttering how crazy our teacher was. (I had no idea why we were reading this or what it meant.)

Swift's, “A Modest Proposal” outlines the solution for the famine in Ireland in the early 1700's. The solution proposed by Swift is that poor families should sell their newborn babies to rich families to eat. He explains how logical it would be for poor families to make money, have less children to feed, and for rich families to have a high quality protein source. Swift is as kind as to include different ways and suggested recipes for cooking these babies.

When we finished reading our teacher asked us what we thought of the piece. Students began commenting, “What is this?”, “Is this real?”, and then “Hey, doesn't sound like such a bad idea.”

Before we got too far into our heated debate, our teacher introduced that this was satire . We still smiled blankly, but he finally began to explain the concept.

The Definition of Satire

Here is the definition of satire according to Google:

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

In this case, Swift used satire as a way to express the issue of poverty in Ireland and to mock the rich's view towards the poor during the famine.

To be clear, Swift is not saying that eating children is a reasonable solution to the problem, rather he is demonstrating the heartless and cruel attitude of the rich, while pointing out the issues he sees with the Irish government.

Want to Write Satire?

Me too. Looks fun, and you get to make ridiculous arguments. Here are two techniques and tips to write great satire.

1. Use a Serious Tone

In “A Modest Proposal” Swift uses an intense, serious tone throughout the entire piece. One of the most important things about using tone is that we make sure we choose the correct tone to convey the message we so desire.

In satire, most commonly, the most effective tone to use is the serious tone. This is because the serious tone creates this confusion within the reader, just like my junior class was confused the first time we read satire. If the author was using joking language, we would understand that this wasn't real and lose interest, but because of the intense serious language, we couldn't stop talking about it.

Be definitive. Say crazy things.  Give detail. Eat babies. (Just kidding, don't do that.)

2. Use Sustained Irony

Irony is saying one thing, while meaning the other, or in situations when the outcome is contrary to what is expected. “A Modest Proposal” is often hailed as one of the greatest examples of sustained irony in the English language. Swift accomplishes this by starting the piece highlighting the problem of starving families in Ireland, and then proposing his solution.

A young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout.”

How's that for irony?

Where You Can Read Satire

If you want to write satire, one of my biggest tips is that you read satire. Satire is a different way of thinking, and in order to understand it better and write it better, you must become acquainted with it's style, prose, and voice.

Check out a few of these satirical sites:

• World News Daily Report

Do you enjoy satire? Have you ever written it?  Let us know in the comments section .

Take fifteen minutes and practice writing some satire! Choose a popular subject and make your point. Don't forget to use irony and tone! Make sure you share your practice in the comments below !

Kellie McGann

Kellie McGann is the founder of Write a Better Book . She partners with leaders to help tell their stories in book form.

On the weekends, she writes poetry and prose.

She contributes to The Write Practice every other Wednesday.

34 Comments

I enjoy satire, to read and to view in a play or show, as long as it is ‘satirical’ and not mean or cruel, but subtle and humorous.

I agree Lillian!

This is a challenge. I’m curious to read posts from members.

Great topic! Here’s how I began a “humorous” speech recently. I guess this is satire:

When my mother turned 92, she told me: “If I’m still alive in two years… shoot me.” When she turned 94 she said the same thing. And this time she meant it. “Honour Thy Parents,” they say. It’s the Fifth Commandment, but wait a minute!

I CAN’T SHOOT MY MOTHER. Or can I?

Logically, we should shoot everyone over 80. The evidence against longevity is overwhelming: 1) Old people wish they were dead, and, 2) Old people can’t afford longevity!

I’ve done the research on longevity, done my due diligence, and I’m wondering now if perhaps I should just…go ahead and shoot her.

(NOTE: Some people in the audience were totally freaked out. They’re still talking about it. They keep asking how my mother is.)

Ha! PJ that’s great!

This is good, P J Reece. I must confess, my husband and I have been talking about no 1) and 2) and old people. He looked at me and said, “What am I doing here?” What could I say except, “We don’t have a gun.”

This is great, PJ. Old people take up so much space, and it’s only logical to shoot them while they’re ahead.

Absolutely. The worst part of this mother business is that my mother is now 101 and has no intention of surrendering. She has transcended fate. It’s scary.

Now that is satire! Was Jonathan Swift your ancestor?

Mind you, it would have been apt to shoot my father – at a much longer age! Mind you, I wouldn’t have actually done it, no matter how much he merited an abbreviated life span, but to have written a satire on the topic would have been so comforting! But is this really the wrong approach for this writing exercise? Pity.

Wow, awesome topic. I come from Serbia and we LOVE satire irony and dark humor! And I love your point about writing in “serious” tone. That is the very thing that makes people think and scratch their heads in astonishment. “Wait a minute, this guy is not serious!” That moment of confusion and re-thinking is the precious gift for a reader. Thank you for this call, i will definitely try to write satire and let you know how it went.

Milena, I agree! It’s so fun to watch people scratch their heads 🙂 Can’t wait to read your satire!

Love this. Satire can also be an amazing tool for dealing with personal stuff, as I’ve found out over the past few months. It’s oddly refreshing.

It’s interesting to note that Swift tried to get his point across in more conventional essays but was largely ignored. It wasn’t until he wrote A Modest Proposal and used pamphlets to distribute it widely, that it received any notice. Sometimes satire is the most powerful tool.

Wow Jay, interesting! I did not know that. Satire can be the most influential it seems. Thanks for sharing!

The United States Air Force has a number of B-17 bombers that could be used to destroy any ISIS stronghold. Fill the bombers with garbage and drop the waste. If ISIS tries to shoot down the falling garbage, it becomes more garbage. We now solve the ISIS problem and eliminate the need for garbage landfills. The bombers fly at a very high altitude and are out of harms way.

Great job Frank! Thanks for sharing.

Great solution, bury them in garbage!

A Proposal of Modesty, spoken in the voice of Foghorn Leghorn

Let us propose to move all the Gays, Lesbo’s and Queer mutha-fuckas to Canada. Lots of room up there, mostly penguins, deers, and polar bears. Perhaps them polar bears can eat some of those queers and Lesbo’s and help take the penguins off the endangered species list. Ya know whut they say, “If it ain’t got antlers!” Damn son, I kill my self sometimes. Of course if we do this, we will have to find something for Pat Robertson, southern congress-folk — you know them representatives and senators — and nearly all of the Christian folk to blame things on. Well, not the Presbyterians. Of course there might be room in Canada to ship all the Presbyterians as well. Think we could include the Lutherans?

I’m neither gay nor Christian nor a penguin, but there’s something not quite right about this satire. I offer up this criticism, Gary, just to point how difficult it is to write good satire. I’d love to see you rewrite this.. but according to what principles of satire, I’m not sure. Anybody have some insight into this?

Mostly I believe if I have to explain things, I got it wrong. Having said that, I have made some changes, and I too would be interested in other insight.

What I see mainly in your piece, Gary, is the courage to throw something on the page, because it’s a potent starting point. Yes, where’s the insight we’re looking for? Help!

I don’t know how much U.S. news you are familiar with. There has been a huge flack over same sex marriages here with the fundamentalist and a couple blaming everything from global warming and the fall of the economy on homosexuality. It’s gotten ridiculous. Foghorn Leghorn would have been the spokesman. Anyway that was the intent.

Here is a short start to some satire I have had in mind for quite some time.

I realized something long ago. When I was young boy and my father was telling me how lucky I was that I had my whole life ahead of me. He told me about my schooling ahead and how much there was going to learn. He told me that I would see the world from north to south, west to east. He teared up as he told me about the life i had coming. “What I wouldn’t give to be your age again” he told me. It was then I realized: Life is too long.

I began smoking at once. Two birds one stone cigarettes are, You kill time now AND later. I stared into the light of my phone, flicking my thumb up, down, left and right. I counted stars. I actually counted how many breaths I took in an hour once.

I began to write a book in my late twenties called “mediations on passing time”

This is great, I would love to hear more! I think your irony is great!

I chose to use a very light, whimsical tone, almost a caricature, instead of a serious tone in my prose poem on “woman on woman combat” or competition among females.

A bowl of chili explodes in the microwave. Office girls, run and see, gather round. Who left it there? How rude. Quite uncivilized. Remove it at once. Ouch, it’s hot! My hand!

Let’s run your hand under water until the paramedic arrives. A creamy white hand holds a pink, blistered one under water. A voice, so deep and calm, I’m here to save you. Thank you, Creamy Hands, for holding the Blistered Hand until I got here. You must say that to all the girls. Not all girls have such smooth, creamy hands.

What about me? I’m the one who’s hurt, Blistered Hand pouts, glancing knowingly at the circle of hands waiting round the cauldron. So you are, Deep Voice says, turning toward Blistered Hand as Creamy Hands tucks her tail and retreats to her desk.

Threat! She’s an irredeemable flirt. Her hands are so creamy! She’ll steal our boyfriends. Creamy Hands cannot have both creamy hands and flirty lips. It’s too much! It’s overwhelming. We must stop her. She’ll take over the office! Blistered Hand heals all afternoon, secret texts sent and received by her bandaged hand. Creamy Hands checks her email one last time, just before five. Subject: Indian night delayed. 7pm instead of 6. Shimmy your ta-tas to my place for a night of exotic curries and sangria!

A creamy hand knocks on the door at one minute to seven, cumin-scented rice balls the only thing brighter than her skin. Stand and wait, but no one’s home. The glances, the texts sent from under the desks. Creamy Hands begins to cry, the coven gathering round the cauldron at the bar down the lane.

Tears in her eyes, she mounts her motorcycle, cumin balls in her purse, tail tucked once more to retreat home in shame. Crash! Vision blurred, in a ditch, the blood drips from her creamy leg. She surrenders to the dirt, alone and outcast, and begs the siren to leave her be.

Deep Voice arrives. Creamy Hands, I think you missed me. How did you end up in this ditch, m’lady? Deep Voice, is that you? I made these rice balls for girls’ night, and the girls ditched me. Only jealous girls do the ditching. If you’ll hold my strong hand with your creamy one, I’ll pull you out of this ditch. Shall we? We shall, Deep Voice. Where to, Creamy Hands? To the bar down the lane for sangria.

Shall I order for us, Creamy Hands? Say, isn’t that Blistered Hand there with the ladies from round the cauldron? Wait a minute. Did you bring me here to make them jealous, Creamy Hands? But only as an afterthought, Deep Voice. I do like you! Creamy Hands, I’ll not be flaunted like a piece of deep-voiced meat. Leave me be to nurse my beer at the bar.

Ladies, I miss you, and I still have the cumin-scented rice balls I made for you. Hesitant glances abound, sizing up creamy-handed, flirty-lips when one of the coven spots Deep Voice leaving. Who is that? A cougar! Blistered Hand points to grey hair. He’s leaving with a cougar! But she’s so old and wrinkly, Creamy Hands pouted. There, there, dear, have a sangria. Some women! So cheap and easy! Blank stares round the cauldron. Creamy Hands breaks the silence. Did you see what curly hair wore to work today?

This is really funny Traci! You did a great job!! Pretty true..

Thank you, Kellie! Sad, but true. I think a large dose of humour helps when we confront the dark parts of ourselves. Great article!

How silly! Very cute though.

This is a plan that I’m putting forward to maintain the balance in our modern culture of tolerance.

There have been numerous legal accounts of business owners being ridiculed, sued, and then forced to respect the acts of clientele that are not of their personal interest. This is my solution.

At every Gay event, there is a tent meeting for biblical revivals and soul winning. The tent meeting should be allowed to be as large and as loud as they want.

Christian clothing companies should be allowed to stretch fabric along routes of Gay parades, to advertise their products. This of course might block the view of the parade itself, but that is a right the companies should have.

All businesses, from Starbucks cafes, to Apple’s corporate lobby will have a table available for any bible believer the right to drink coffee and hand out biblical tracts. The tracts might condemn the behaviour of homosexuality, and not show any acceptance to Gay marriage, but these bible believers should have the right.

These are just a sample of the many suggestions that I am proposing to alleviate this burden on our society. To read the complete proposal please got to http://www.thebibleisthewordofgod.com

I am currently writing a modest proposal essay for school and i cant think of anything to write about please help me!!!

OK – I’ll bite. Here’s my practice piece:

Well, it looks like the Grammar Police will finally take some action. Last week they made a proposal to revoke the literary licenses of people who constantly use the the wrong “there” in there writing. There licenses would be torn up and there fingers would be taped together, or better yet, Crazy glued together. There serious about this and are confident that this one step will improve the quality of the stories that we read. I believe that this is a good first step, but in step to, they should go after those who use the wrong to, to! Next they could go after the people who write “Wah Lah!”, problem solved.

I’m reading these entries, and stressing out that I’m not going to be able to write satire. Then read Jay Warner’s from a year ago –

It’s interesting to note that Swift tried to get his point across in more conventional essays but was largely ignored. Okay, I can work with that. Give me time. Thank’s Jay, and thanks to Kellie. I’m really stretching out of my comfort zone!

I have published several satire blogs recently on http://www.satireandmore.com about the U.K. and U.S. elections, E.U. Regulations, Greek financial crisis and other odds and ends.

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There is no such a student who has never been assigned to write a college satire essay when getting education. I am not an exception! Despite the fact that I have never had serious problems with academic writing before and I have a great sense of humor, I must admit that the satirical essay turned out not as easy as ABC. It wasn't much fun-I had to pull an all-nighter to choose a favorite topic on some social issues that would be interesting to most people in America; search for the relevant information everywhere, including media; find good examples, and finally write my work according to a certain structure. To tell the truth, the thought to order the ready satire essay from professional writers has crossed my mind because this kind of task seemed to be the most difficult one in my life. I had neither time nor the knowledge about its distinctive features. However, I decided not to email custom writers and take this challenge on my own as I didn't get used to giving up. Now, I am here sharing my personal satire writing experience with everyone who is just going to deal with this kind of the written task.  

A Complete Guide on How to Write a Satire Essay

Before I got started with my essay, I have checked a large number of funny satire essay examples belonging to different categories. While reading, it seemed to me that I would cope with this assignment easily. However, I was mistaken. In general, essay structure looked like the one other essays have but at the same time, I understood that this kind of paper has its own distinctive features and peculiarities. I had to check a lot of guides on how to write a satire essay before I got started with mine. All of them said that it's very important to find interesting controversial satire essy topics about some political, cultural, social issues. Usually knowing language on a good level is very helpful so it is better to attend English Courses if you don't have enough knowledge. Due to the fact that I didn't know much about the two last spheres, I decided to write about the famous Donald Trump. You will be able to check my piece of writing later. Before you look at the satire paper itself, you should have a clear picture of how your paper must look like in terms of structural elements. I would like to share my personal experience in structuring the satire paper in accordance with the required instructions given by my school teacher. Now, I am going to tell you how to write a satire essay the right way.  

• An Introduction I think that all of you know that the first steps you should take are to think of a killer title, which I had to change for several times after having finished and to write an introduction. I've understood that if you want to attract the reader's attention, you need to start either with the intriguing question that your reader would like to answer, or some figures.

For example, if you are going to craft an essay about the well-known politician, - find some interesting facts about his/her life and career, start your work with some shocking information. Don't forget to include a powerful thesis statement at the end of your introduction. Write just 1-2 sentences keeping in mind that they must be informative and strong, expressing the main idea, and explaining to the reader what you are going to discuss in your work. I had to rewrite my introduction 3 or 5 times until I made it perfect. Every time when rereading I tried to imagine that I was a reader. This trick will help you to understand how the paper beginning sounds, whether it is able to hook or not.

• The Main Body The process of writing the main body took me much time - a day or two if to be exact. This is due to the fact that this is a part where you are expected to provide all information on the chosen subject.

First, I had to find all the relevant materials and select those which could add some value to my paper. I used a lot of different information sources, including the Internet, published and electronic books online, magazine articles, blog posts, and a lot of various publications. I have checked every place where I could find something about Trump. I chose interesting pieces of information, gathered them like a puzzle, made sure that the main part of my essay was creative, original, and logical. Remember that it is better to stick to the 5-6 paragraph structure, which means that the main body will take the major part of your work-3-4 paragraphs. Use thematic essay examples while writing your task. The exact volume will depend on the number of facts you are going to use in your paper. The most difficult thing is to present the facts so that the reader feels where exactly you have used exaggerations, hyperbole, and another language device to poke fun.

• The Conclusion As any other kind of academic paper, a satire essay should end with the brief conclusion. I wrote a short summary of all the ideas that I have included in the main body, and then added a couple of sentences explaining the reader my point of view and the reasons why I consider my work valuable for the today's generation. Can't come up with a thought-provoking conclusion? Rely on StudyCrumb's essay conclusion generator and get a nice ending made in seconds.

Top-20 A-Grade Satire Essay Topics for You to Choose From

• The smartest human of all the times.
• Childish labor helps businesses to flourish.
• D. Trump is the most famous President who is free in his self-expression.
• H. Clinton always takes right decisions.
• Trump and Putin have “friendly” relationships.
• Are the US citizens happy with the President selection?
• Comment on cultural differences and their influence on relationships between students.
• Media: the best invention or the worst thing ever?
• Today, people learn about their lives from the morning newspapers.
• All harmful things have a great taste.
• The best president in the US history.
• Doing nothing is fashionable today.
• A robot works better than real people.
• Politicians and comedians have much in common.
• Money values in the modern society.
• Fast food – fast weight.
• Satire in English literature.
• A family business is the worst thing that may happen to the family members.
• Living alone is much better than with anyone else.
• Boring teacher-bored students.

Choose one of the above-mentioned satire essay topics, follow the tips for writing a satire essay, and I guarantee that you’ll get a high score! Never give up and treat the satire essay assignment as a fun thing to do demonstrating your unique sense of humor! Good luck!

Check Good Satire Essay Examples Before You Get Started

Have you wanted to see my satire essay? Here, you are! Have a closer look at the piece of writing I have submitted and got an A-grade! 

Want a similar satire paper? Contact StudyCrumb and get professional writing help from experts. 

The eccentric billionaire has become a symbol of anti-establishment sentiments that have swept the United States in the recent years. Having crushed the orderly number of forecasts of numerous experts, and the results of opinion polls, a candidate from the Republican Party Donald Trump won the presidential elections in the United States. The man who promised to "drain the Washington swamp" won. But will the hopes of his supporters be justified, when Trump as the 45th president of America will take decisions in the White House? While the United States was counting votes in the presidential election, and the scales were becoming more confident in favor of Donald Trump, the website of the state migration service in neighboring Canada was working intermittently. These disruptions seem to have arisen from the fact that many Americans have decided to examine the conditions of moving to the land of the maple leaf. The number of requests in Google about how to move to Canada, also sharply increased. According to one of the pre-election polls, 28% of Americans considered the option of leaving for Canada in the event of Trump's victory. They said that the US residents had a threat to go to Canadians - this is almost traditional national fun for the presidential elections. But it is unlikely that this "fun" was so serious before. Several American celebrities - from B. Streisand and Cher to Samuel L. Jackson and Whoopi Goldberg – threatened that if Trump would become their President, they would "choose freedom": go to Spain, to South Africa, or to Jupiter. In the information battles of the pre-election race against Donald Trump heavy artillery was used. The main caliber was hit in two directions. First: Trump is a misogynist and a womanizer. Second: Trump is a puppet of the Kremlin. Donald Trump himself played along with his critics on the "Russian" direction saying "I think I will get along well with Vladimir Putin. I just think so”. Trump shared his thoughts when he announced his intention to become a president. A few months later, he said that if he would be elected, it is unlikely that there will be problems in relations with Russia. Trump gratefully accepted the praise addressed to him by Putin: "It's always an honor to be praised by a man so respected in his own country and abroad. I always believed that together, Russia and the United States could defeat terrorism and restore peace. We could also trade with each other, not to mention other benefits." The businessman and showman, producer and politician are 4 in 1 and all these personalities are in one "great and terrible person" Trump. The showman, perhaps, is the key word in this series. Donald for many years was an active organizer of the Miss USA competitions. His cameo can be seen in several movies and television series. Trump entered the history of the American show business as the host and co-producer of the reality show The Apprentice on the NBC channel. So, after the Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan, a TV star appeared in the White House. Trump is a one hundred percent challenge to the system, which it must respond to in order to get out of the current state, where Trump appeared.

5 Ways to Write a Satire Essay

Satire essay generator.

Not all essays are meant to be sound serious and forbidding. At times, essays can be quite fun to read. Satire essay is one best example of a highly entertaining essay. Certain websites such as The Onion, The Satirist, or The Private Eye are widely known for their satirical essays. But first let us determine what is satire and what is a satire essay.

• Satire in Literature
• Literary Essay Writing Example

What is Satire and Satirical Essay?

Merriam-Webster defines satire as a literary work that uses wit, irony, or sarcasm to expose and ridicule human vices or foolishness. Satire is most prevalent in literary works like books, poems, essays, songs, and even in films. Using satire in a literary piece is one way of showing one’s humor creatively.

It is also one way of putting a subtle constructive criticism to the shortcomings of a certain topic that an author is discussing (may it be related to politics, social change, celebrities, etc). Satirical essays are meant to write factual information about a certain topic but twists it to make it appear comical. Your readers will be more engrossed in reading satire essay since not only they will be entertained they will also gain more knowledge about a certain topic. Examples of satire present in literature include:

• Jonathan Swift’s essay called “A Modest Proposal” talks about the societal and political issue in Ireland. The Irish are suffering from famine and the government is unable to solve this problem. Swift then cheekily suggested that in order to resolve the famine, a new form of human breeding is the solution for the economic recovery in Ireland. When deliberating his essay, Swift’s suggestion may seem horrendous but his point is to sarcastically suggest an impossible suggestion to make fun of the shortcoming of the Ireland’s government.
• The Rape of Lock by Alexander Pope satirized the upper middle class of the 18th century England. Most people who belonged in this class were vain and narcissistic. Most young men and women were fashionable, self-absorbed, and superficial.
• “Whether the nymph shall break Diana’s law, o r some frail china jar receive a flaw, o r stain her honor, or her new brocade…”.  An excerpt from Pope’s poem describes a young woman called Belinda who lost a lock of her hair seemed to her that she lost a valuable virtue of their class in this particular era. The lost lock of hair is almost similar like a precious frail china jar that cracked.

Other Forms of Satire

Satirizing politicians, celebrities, or other prominent people are most commonly spoofed in the media. Parodies are used to make fun of these people by exaggerating their chosen subject’s behavior or characteristics. Some even impersonate these people and exaggerate their looks. Parodies are prevalent in films, television, and music.

One example is the parody band called the Rutles. Established in the late 70’s, this band satirizes the Beatles and their avid supporters. They dressed up like the Beatles and poked fun of their songs by making a similar songs by the Beatles.

One example is the song “Get Up and Go” by the Rutles which is a parody from the song “Get Back” by the Beatles. Here is an excerpt of “Get Up and Go”:

Cruising down the highway doing sixty-five in the middle of the double white line His foot down on the gas and his head in the clouds He didn’t see the one-way sign Get up and go Get up and go Get up and go back home

Sarcasm is of course prevalent in satire. It is what makes satire engaging and entertaining. Sarcasm as defined in Cambridge dictionary is making remarks that means the opposite of what the person is supposed to say in order to criticize something or someone in a humorous way.  Some examples of sarcastic quotes are:

“We are all both ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” Benjamin Franklin

“Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” Mark Twain

“All men are the same. They have different faces so that women differentiate them.” Marilyn Monroe

But what makes satire important?

Basically, satire exists to point out the shortcomings in the society or within ourselves and to inspire change from these flaws. Through satire writing, readers will be aware of the changes they need to do in order to make a better version of themselves or in the society.

Now comes the part on how to write a satire essay efficiently.

How to Write a Satire Essay?

1. familiarize first how to write a satire essay.

When writing a satire essay, it is important to know that you have a strong motive to address your own views and opinion over a specific issue to you care about. Even if it is opinionated in its form, you can put your own perspective of this certain issue and spin it to make it funny, don’t forget to always provide the factual information of the topic you are writing about.

2. Choose the right topic to write

In choosing a topic to write, it’s best to know what topic are you want to write about. It must be something that you are highly interested in. Otherwise, if you choose a topic you are not really into it or not familiar to, you get bored in writing halfway to it. Other key points to consider is to choose a topic or an issue that is relevant to society and is relatable to everyone.

The best examples of topics to choose from are:

• current events
• health or environmental issues
• celebrities
• human vices
• holiday celebrations
• social media

It is also helpful to familiarize yourself with these topics by watching or reading the news. These kinds of topics are what people mostly have their own stand, so it’s best to choose it as you will get reactions from your readers. Don’t forget the point of writing essays is for the readers to read it. Getting reactions, whether favorable or not, means you have successfully done your job.

3. Get to the point

Finally, after poring and musing and deciding the topic you want to discuss, it’s time to figure out, what is the point of this essay I am writing about?  The things you want to consider are: What is your stand in this certain topic? Do you rule favor or not?, How can you make this topic ironic? Once you have figured out your point, you have a clear and strong idea on what will you write about.

4. Know your audience

It’s crucial for you as a writer to know who is the audience you are writing to. Are you writing for the professional readers? Or the students? These different groups of people have their own preference or style of writing. The professionals might want a formal style of writing or the students might want a casual style. The point is, by identifying your readers, it’s better to be more relatable towards them. To help you adjust your style of writing to your specific audience, here are the questions you need to answer: How do you write in casual or formal style of writing? How do you write this essay if you are writing for young people?

5. Now it’s time to write

Now you already have a gist on writing a satire essay. You already know what topic you will discuss and what will be your main point, and you already identified who will be your audience. Now it’s time to write down your outstanding essay. Of course, in order for it to be outstanding, you need some tips in order to make your essay interesting to read. Familiarize yourself with the figures of speech to use when writing a satire essay to make it more engaging to your readers. Examples of figures of speech you can use are:

Hyperbole: The use of exaggerated words for heightened effect on the reader.

My high heeled shoes are killing me!

Irony: It is the use of words used to convey the opposite of its literal meaning.

A person looking out at his window while it was raining hard. He exclaims, “ What a beautiful weather we are having today.”

Metaphor: A figure of speech that implied a comparison between two dissimilar things that have something in common.

You have a heart of stone.

Pun: Is described as ‘a play on words’. It’s structure can be on different senses of the same word or sometimes on the similar sense or sound of different words.

“Now is the winter or our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York…” an excerpt from William Shakespeare Richard III (Act 1 scene 1). The context of this statement by the character Richard III is that he was the son of the Duke of York.

Understatement: This type of figure of speech is when a speaker intentionally makes a situation or a person less important that it is.

“It was rather a serious evening, you know.”  Shipwreck survivor Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon, as he described the sinking of the Titanic.

You may also look up some hyperbole examples , and irony examples to familiarize yourself to these figures of speech.

Now that you have mastered on writing a satire essay, don’t forget to have some fun while writing it. In fact, it is more enjoyable to write since you are allowed to put your own creativity and your personal views in your essay. However don’t forget to cite facts to make your essay credible. But don’t forget that the main essence of satire essay is to persuade your readers to agree with your opinion. So be persuasive, be creative and showcase your talent in comedy in your satire essay.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a Satire Essay about the obsession with social media

Discuss in a Satire Essay how procrastination has become a key skill for students

Tips and Tricks for Writing a Good Satirical Essay

• Amanda Smith
• Categories : Help with writing assignments paragraphs, essays, outlines & more
• Tags : Homework help & study guides

What is a Satirical Essay?

A satirical essay is a work that is meant to poke fun at a particular subject. Some of the most common satirical essays are written about political candidates during an election. The author typically finds material that is interesting because of its level of irony. I like to think about Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update as a satirical piece. The information presented is factual, but the facts are exaggerated and twisted in a way that invokes a sense of humor. Other examples of satirical work include editorial cartoons found in your local newspaper. [caption id=“attachment_130333” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]

Choosing Your Satirical Topic

The first step, and the most important step, is choosing the right topic. It helps to choose a topic that you are interested in because it will be more fun to write, and the reader will pick up on your personal thoughts about the subject. The best subjects will be ones that other people can relate to. It is common to choose subjects that relate to current events in the media. Choosing something that others can identify with will either make them laugh or make them angry. Both of these responses indicate that you have done your job well. Make sure that the topic that you choose has a good sense of irony or humor. For example, it would be ironic for a company to advertise and market that it is “going green” if it is not doing its part in general recycling. This would be a great topic because it is relevant in today’s society and also brings insight to the issue in a sarcastic way.

What’s Your Point?

After choosing your topic, the next step is to figure out what point you are trying to make. The humor needs to be directed to an overall point, otherwise the essay will seem scattered and incomplete. Here are some things to consider: What do I think about my topic? How do I feel about the particular subject? What is ironic about the subject? How is this subject funny or absurd?

Your Audience

Once you have figured out what point you are trying to make, you must then take into account the audience that you are appealing to. Is this going to be read by other students in your high school English class? Would it be read by professionals in the field that you are commenting on? Who is your audience? Identifying your audience is important because your tone should be dependent upon the people that will be reading your essay. You must decide if you want a more casual or formal feel to your writing. Here are some questions to think about when identifying your audience.

• Who is going to be reading this essay?
• How would I phrase my point if I was telling it to a friend?
• How would I write if it was being written for experts on the subject?
• What is different about my casual writing style and formal writing style?

Putting it All Together

Now you have the framework: you have identified a topic, decided on a specific point about the topic, and assessed your audience. Now its time to start writing. Here are some tips to make your satire essay shine.

• Use hyperbole to exaggerate points.
• Strategically choose language that exaggerates the irony.
• Add lots of humor.
• The more sarcastic the better.
• Stick to the facts.

Remember, writing a satirical essay can be fun. It is supposed to reflect your personal opinions on the matter at hand. Much like reflective essay writing , you have some creative freedom when writing a satire essay. Just be sure to back up your opinions with real facts about the subject. That’s what makes it effective - combining true concrete facts with a twist that influences readers to think a certain way. Satirical writing is very persuasive and opinionated, so when reading your final draft, make sure that you can feel a pull of persuasion. Image by  Thought Catalog  from  Pixabay

256 Satirical Essay Topics & Satire Essay Examples [2024]

A satire essay is a creative writing assignment where you use irony and humor to criticize people’s vices or follies. It’s especially prevalent in the context of current political and social events. A satirical essay contains facts on a particular topic but presents it in a comical way.

This task may be intimidating. Don’t worry: even the greatest masters of satire didn’t always succeed in their early efforts! Our custom writing experts are here to help you. In this article, you will find:

• helpful info about satirical essays;
• a list of 256 essay topics;
• examples of satirical essays.

🔝 Top 10 Satire Essay Topics

• 😆 Satire Essay Definition
• ✍️ Writing Tips
• 😜 Essay Topics
• 💡 Writing Prompts

📚 Satire Essay Examples

🔗 references.

• The joy of scambaiting.
• Who teaches politicians to lie?
• How to build a cult successfully.
• Reasons why the sky should be green.
• How to fail your exams using Facebook.
• How not to get bored at family dinners.
• Let’s build walls around all countries.
• How to eat a lot without gaining weight.
• Ways to escape visits to the dentist.
• What do soccer and impact factors have in common?

😆 What Is a Satirical Essay?

A satirical essay is a composition written about a particular subject using irony or sarcasm. Usually, the topics are related to politics, society, or money. The primary goal of any satire is to use humor creatively to make fun of foolish human behavior and criticize topical issues.

You can find examples of satire in numerous books, poems, and movies. If you enjoy dry humor based on exaggerations, you’ll surely have fun writing your satire essay.

✍️ How to Write a Satire Essay

Does the task of writing a satirical essay look daunting? No worries! Check out our expert advice:

• First off, sit down and relax. Do something inspiring. For example, get in a fight (preferably a literal one.) Satire needs to be written at the boiling point; that’s exactly where the best essay ideas come from.
• Get inspiration from classic satire examples. Scan through the works of famous satirists when looking for ideas. It can be helpful to draw parallels with the situation in the modern world.
• Another great way to get satirical essay ideas is life itself. This is where every masterpiece comes from. Ideas for a satire may pop into your head at any time. Maybe you got into a fight with a lady in the supermarket or argued about clothes with your sibling. Whatever noteworthy event happened to you recently, write it down!
• The best satire paper ideas are those that reflect reality. If your readers can draw parallels with their life, then you’ve succeeded. Completely made-up stories are harder to pull off: you can end up not convincing your readers.
• Think about your audience. Should you choose a formal or casual tone for your satirical piece? If a professor is going to read it, the first option is preferable.
• Set your goals. Good satire only makes your readers laugh but also demonstrates to them your way of thinking. Use your satirical essay to show your attitude towards serious issues.
• Add a personal touch to your satirical writing. Narrate in first-person perspective or make yourself the protagonist. Adding a unique spin and an interesting perspective will help your essay stand out. It’s also good to use hyperboles and metaphors to make your point.

If you’re struggling with picking good satire topics, check out the ideas below.

😜 Satire Essay Topics List

Topics for a satirical essay on social media & technology.

Many of us have a complicated relationship with social media. Despite their convenience, they use a lot of our time as well as storage space. A satirical discussion can sharpen a critical perspective on these topics.

• Like, repost, and get married. It’s difficult to determine someone’s real intentions on the Internet. How does this impact people’s dating behavior?
• How cute animals became the main driving force of  Instagram  advertising.  Emotions play a significant role in marketing. Adorable cats and dogs wield much power in this regard. What do you think is their secret? 
• “I will just check a few posts and stories… Whoops, there goes my day.” If that sounds familiar to you, write about it in your satire essay on social media!
• “I’m going to filter this anyway.” However unflattering your photo looks, Instagram’s got your back. Discuss how you can use this power to your advantage.
• Let’s Zoom! Online classes are not everybody’s cup of tea. Will they become the new standard model of learning? Or will they disappear to where they came from?
• Twitter, Instagram, Facebook : can you use all of them without losing your grip on reality?
• The rise of knock-off products: will the Asian competition sweep Apple and others away?  
• What if your phone is hacked?
• Providing a constant flow of content as a modern virtue.
• Exchanging gossip as a currency on social media.
• English will become an endangered language thanks to emojis.
• The worst social media virus: “Have you seen this TikTok ?”
• Step-by-step instructions on how to use hashtags to Twitter.
• Tagging in Facebook posts as an invasion of personal space. 
• How to ruin your life with the help of only one social media account.
• Equality on the media: why are we discriminating against positive news?
• If you don’t watch my stories back, you don’t love me.
• Is your life as perfect as the one you display on your Instagram?
• Viral challenges are getting overly complicated.
• Caution: fact-checking Tweets may cause severe fires on social media.
• What if you were paid to scroll social media feeds?
• Understanding the cloud: how did my files get all the way up in the sky? 
• Warning: downloading these apps may shorten your life.
• Tweets are short for a good reason: an average person’s attention span is getting shorter.
• Dumb ways to die: or, why you should never google how to save your life.
• Imagine the Internet disappears tomorrow.
• Can you make your coffee without a coffee machine?
• What do hackers look like in real life?
• An updated set of rules on how not to embarrass yourself on the Internet .
• Modern life: did you get the newest human update?
• TikTok should be banned in schools.
• FOMO: does it make you have nightmares ?
• There is nothing bad about having a date with someone from social media.
• Social media jargon that we will never understand.
• How to unsee all the disgusting stuff you have seen on social media.
• A quick test to find out whether you’re smarter than your smartphone .
• Hiding your flaws on social media for dummies.
• Spotting an authentic lifestyle on Instagram is not that easy.
• Learning how to make a relevant and adequate comment on social media.
• Things from the Internet that could’ve been funny if they weren’t so real.
• Feeling good about your body doesn’t mean you should post nudes.
• How to stay at home forever: Let your parents see your photos from last night’s party on social media.
• How to gain more followers on your Twitter. 
• Should we expect an apocalypse if social media shuts down?
• Is social media the best way to make new friends ?
• Do your Instagram followers really care what you had for breakfast?
• It’s impossible to avoid Internet addiction.
• Should robots have human rights? 
• 10 reasons not to use Google for your exam prep.
• Should robots replace humans?
• Why should everyone have Internet access?
• Technology is not what devastated human communication .
• Why are smartphones more important than desktop PCs?
• 10 reasons for taking online classes only.
• How do modern technologies affect the way we learn?

Satire Essay on School: Topic Ideas

In a satirical essay, you can criticize the social issues that concern you using irony and funny punchlines. You can express your ideas and worries about education with a little bit of humor. It sounds like a dream essay, doesn’t it? Writing about your problems in a satirical way might help you to look at them from a more optimistic perspective!

• What is the point of a school uniform? Even office workers rarely have to follow strict dress code rules. All in all, your brain won’t solve calculus tasks better if you wear a uniform.  
• Why is studying online more productive than going to school? You don’t have to go anywhere to become more intelligent. All the existing knowledge is available on the Internet, and most of it is free.
• Teachers enjoy giving a lot of homework to their students. Many students suspect that. Do you think there might be some truth behind it?
• How can you defend yourself from older kids at school? Taking up boxing or karate ? Becoming a bully ? Or maybe you just need to be a good runner? Try to think about the most creative and outlandish options.
• Reasons why you should write essays in the last minute. Nothing motivates a student more than an approaching deadline. Try to remember the time you finished your assignment the night before the due date. What was it like?
• What’s wrong with the educational system in America? Find the flaws in your program or describe the problems that your peers face. For example, think about tuition fees in colleges, overcrowding, or lack of attention to students.
• How social media help students in their studies. The educational content on social media can be helpful for your studies. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if your teachers interacted with you via TikTok or YouTube?
• How do you survive your senior year at high school? Applying to college, preparing for SAT or ACT, and keeping up with deadlines seem like a lot of multitasking . Describe all the difficulties students have to face and offer your solutions.
• Do we even need to go to school? At first, think about why you like and dislike school. Why do you think school helped you, and when was it useless? Provide your reasons why you keep going to school and what you aim to achieve.

Topics for a Satire Essay on Obesity

Healthy lifestyles keep gaining popularity. There are plenty of low-fat and vegan options in supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. However, obesity is still a big problem for people’s health and self-esteem. Satirical topics below will help you look at it from a new perspective; just make sure to be respectful.

• Are overweight people happier than the rest of us? Many fat people keep positive and simply don’t care about the way others see them. They can enjoy their favorite foods and don’t feel the need to work out after that.
• Do overweight people want to lose weight? Some of them surely do. Others are happy the way they are and still face the constant pressure of the people surrounding them. Explain why it’s not necessary to lose weight just to fit the standards.
• How to stop eating at night. Nothing seems like a better idea than grabbing a snack at 2 a.m. The following day you cannot even realize why your brain persuaded you to do it. Explain why this habit can be harmful and what possible solutions can help to get rid of it.
• Crazy solutions for losing weight. You can find thousands of diets and fat-burning workouts on the Internet, but none of them work as well as promised. Find the funniest weight loss tips and describe them in your essay.
• How to persuade children to choose healthy foods . When you force somebody to do something, it doesn’t work well. Maybe we should show kids educational cartoons on nutrition? Or perhaps we need to learn how to cook delicious and healthy foods ?
• How do some skinny people eat so much and don’t gain weight? Probably everyone knows a person who eats all the time and is not even close to getting fat. It might be fast metabolism, an active lifestyle , or black magic.
• What should you eat to lose weight? Everybody knows that you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. But people still want to find a perfect diet to reduce body fat . Can you come up with one?
• Signs that you need to lose some weight. Maybe your favorite jeans became too tight, or you can’t walk up the stairs as quickly as you used to. Think of the indicators showing that you’ve gained some extra weight.
• How does smoking affect weight loss?  Many people believe that smoking reduces the feeling of hunger and makes you eat less. Ex-smokers also tend to gain weight when they give up smoking. Explore this issue in a satirical essay. 

Environment & Global Warming Satire Essay Topics

Environmental issues are a big part of today’s debates. Satire can make your essay more prominent and draw more attention to the issues you discuss. Satirizing the current situation can be a powerful tool in motivating people to go green. If you’re looking for good satirical topics concerning the environment, this is your section.

• Behold: anyone is now able to walk on water. You can do it, too—thanks to giant garbage islands. What other “wonders” has pollution made possible?
• Our dependency on the environment is one-sided. Speculate what would happen if nature strikes back. Who will have the upper hand?
• No one likes to wade through garbage. Yet, many people just throw their trash on the ground. What’s going on in their minds?
• New technology: guilty until proven innocent. Can humans sustain technological progress at the cost of the environment?
• We are ready to cut down the tree if we need a toothpick. Is this acceptable or outrageous? Ponder on it in your essay.
• What if you could stop climate change?  Imagine that you can control everything in the world. What would you do to stop  global warming ? Offer your solutions to climate change having this kind of power.  
• Climate change is fake news . With this essay, you can satirize the point of view of climate change deniers. Winter is as cold as it used to be. Maybe global warming is a trick politicians use to deflect our attention from real problems.
• Dirty water vs. polluted air: the irony of rich nations looking down on developing societies. 
• Is sustainability in big companies merely a fashionable way to make a profit?
• How can we live comfortably without degrading the environment ?
• Natural disasters vs. climate change denial: is there a correlation?
• Can humans live in a symbiotic relationship with nature, as plants do?
• Stop brushing your teeth if you have heard of global warming.
• Why we should stop hating public transport .
• Overpopulated cemeteries: an underrated issue.
• Who cares about the environment when we need more housing ?
• I hate recycling , so here is what I do instead of helping the environment.
• Riding horses instead of driving cars can be fun!
• Let’s be honest: do we really need that much ozone?
• The best solution for global warming: using hover boards instead of cars.
• Trashy waste disposal ways: can we do better?
• If you’re convinced “there is plenty of fish in the sea,” think twice.
• Humans sacrifice dozens of species to save one: themselves.
• The latest research shows that people don’t care about the environment.
• Should we consider reusable toilet paper to save our planet?
• Can’t people just plant more trees to save the forests?
• How to reduce pollution without recycling.
• What’s wrong with the zero waste ideology?
• How not making your bed can stop global warming.
• Why should humanity move to Mars ?
• 10 reasons why deforestation makes our planet cleaner.
• Are gasoline cars better than electric ones?

Satirical Essay on Social Issues: Topics & Questions

In this section, you’ll find satirical writing ideas about society, culture, and other related things.

• “I want to speak to the manager!” If you’re dying of shame every time someone says this sentence, welcome to the Karen phenomenon. What can you do to avoid becoming such a person?
• Multinational corporations are masters of disguise. The variety of choices on grocery store shelves is deceiving. Almost all goods there belong to one of few transnational corporations.
• You can achieve anything you set your mind to—unless you’re poor. Think of examples that support this statement, such as education not being accessible for everyone.
• Hungry Google. How can promising tech start-ups prevent being devoured by a giant? The greediness of a big corporation such as Google is a great satirical topic to write about.
• The dark side of the fashion industry. What’s your opinion on beautiful designs made by the hands of Asian children?
• Trends, bans, and censorship: is free speech only for the elite?
• How to keep up with slang as you get older.
• Will Apple’s planned obsolescence ever backfire? 
• “I can paint like this”: the appeal of abstract art .
• Spartans knew how to deal with overpopulation.
• Who really deserves the title of the Greatest Generation?
• ”Let’s make it simple!”: the dullness of modern pop culture.
• Is it time to create a new currency in the US?
• What should you answer to a time-traveler from the past asking about the worst event in the 21st century?
• What if pharmaceutical companies merely want to keep us sick? 
• 10 reasons why breastfeeding in public should be illegal. 
• 7 reasons why women should not get pregnant .
• Why should you avoid getting vaccinated?
• Life hacks on how to get a cold in summer.
• What’s so good about plastic surgery ?
• What adverse effects can sports have on your life?

Other Satirical Essay Topics

Below you’ll find humorous topics related to politics and family life. You’re welcome to use them for your satirical writing assignment.

Satire Topics on Politics

It’s hard to face reality without a bit of humor. With everything that’s happening in the world, politics is perfect joke material. This is especially relevant for Juvenalian satire. To help you limit your choices, here are some prompts:

• Do men in power actually plan to destroy the world one day? Or is hoarding atomic weapons the politicians’ version of collecting stamps?
• “The internet is new territory for all of us.” At least it was, according to the German chancellor Angela Merkel in 2013. Sounds accurate? Unpack this quote in your essay.
• Democracies have one big problem: everyone is allowed to vote.  Should democratic governments introduce some kind of an IQ test before authorizing people to participate in voting? 
• Is Donald Trump a lizard person? How would this comical theory fit with his politics? Discuss this satire topic in your essay.
• North Korea’s role in the global playing field. Is the country a serious threat or a minor disturbance?
• How much influence do celebrities have in international politics?
• Politicians in Hungary and Poland use excessive anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. What are they afraid of?
• Are rich people and Twitter enthusiasts such as Elon Musk secretly governing the world?
• Manufacturing conspiracy theories for fun and profit.
• Would life in Russia be any different if Putin crowned himself tsar?
• Why would shopping malls make perfect prisons ?
• Analyze the dictionary meaning of the word “trump.”
• Romantic relationship between Hillary Clinton and the media.
• Do all presidents just follow their basic primitive instincts?
• If someone believes politicians , they might as well believe in aliens.
• 13 reasons why teenagers should create laws.
• The most effective method to treat your post-election stress.
• Every year’s slogan: Let’s make politics work again!
• A team of professionals working on upgrading Donald Trump’s lies.
• A practical dictionary to help you translate the Trump language.
• How would the deep state save us from the climate catastrophe?
• Winning as the ultimate goal of all elections for political figures.
• Why do presidents always appear to be right?
• Following the success of Germany , we have to unite the US, too!
• If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor to treat your Political Correctness Syndrome immediately!
• Donald Trump’s best solution for wildfires, or “Rake, people, rake!”
• Family planning gone wrong: Alabama’s law on abortion.
• What do Canadians say about America’s struggles with immigrants?
• Making parallels between Humpty Dumpty and the issues with the US wall.
• Why everyone should own a gun.
• Why doesn’t freedom of speech make you free? 
• Beware: the new virus of civil disobedience is coming.
• Why do we keep thanking the wrong heroes?
• A white American man: the most terrorized person in the world nowadays.
• Shouldn’t we treat China as America’s best friend?
• Communism is capitalism’s evil twin.
• Why didn’t the government invoke the 25 th amendment during Trump’s presidency?
• How to build hype: tips from the man who told everyone to drink bleach.
• Donald Trump as the next candidate for winning a Nobel Prize in medicine.
• Sending hippie-like peace text messages to the terrorists. 

• Why won’t anyone believe what politicians say?
• What makes Donald Trump so unique?
• Trust me, the Great Wall of China will still stand after the alien invasion.
• Let’s see if Captain America would make a good president.
• Can we use ideas from comic books to confront terrorists?
• 10 reasons why you should watch CNN news twice a day before a meal.
• The gun control issue couldn’t be more overrated.
• People are dying: legalize marijuana to save lives!
• A collection of Donald Trump’s best advice.
• 10 reasons why Tony Stark should become the next president of the United States.
• Is Russia America’s top enemy?
• Should the Communist party be the world’s leading social organization ?
• 15 reasons why all countries should liberalize visa regimes.
• How much should countries spend on military expenses?
• Why is political satire important?

Satirical Essay Topics: Marriage and Family

Family life can be a blessing as well as a challenge. Humor is a big help. Looking through this section, you’ll definitely find a relatable satire essay topic. Be sure to have a witty solution for the next time!

• You’re a cat person; your partner loves dogs . And your child begs you to buy a snake. What’s the best way to choose a pet for the whole family? Explore this funny satire topic in your essay!
• “I have a great business idea . ” Have you come to fear hearing these words? Write about how to discourage your loved ones from investing in bad ideas.
• Just married! And the routine already sets in. How can a couple keep the spark?
• Marrying is easy; it is difficult to be married . If this hits close to home, consider it as the topic for your essay.
• Grandma Online. Many people underestimate their grandparents’ abilities to use the Internet. How can said grandparents use this to their advantage?
• What’s the best way to deal with ex-partners after marrying someone else?
• Marrying a Catholic priest: how to handle celibacy.
• “Blood is thicker than water”: when is this statement not valid?
• Love at first sight: truth or myth?
• Cool parents for all Millennials : a practical guidebook.
• Why do people who have failed relationships keep advising others?
• What are your grandpa’s best retirement ideas for young people?
• Paying back: what can you ask your grandparents at the end of the day?
• Family discussions are like puzzles that one has to piece together.
• Why does nobody tell you how overrated a married life is?
• The turning point of my life: before and after marriage. 
• What if same-sex marriage becomes legal everywhere?
• Why some men don’t wear engagement rings.
• Why would anyone save for their kids’ college or wedding?
• The secret behind high divorce rates in the US.
• Don’t rush to say “I do,” check these things first.
• Living in communities as a substitute for marriage in the future.
• The reasons why my kids won’t get married in a church .
• If love is blind, why are we still so self-conscious?
• The most misused pickup line of the decade.
• Guidebook of the year: places where you can find love .
• When being yourself on a date doesn’t help, just be weird.
• The real struggle behind “ happily ever after .”
• The most obvious signs you have a nosy partner.
• How can paternity leave save the whole world?
• Top useful tricks on how to win a fight with your partner.
• Things you should do on the first date if you need to escape.
• At what age should teens enter romantic relationships?
• Social media comes to rescue you: why is it the best way to break up?
• Breaking up for introverts: how to do it without words.
• Not awkward, not cute: conversation starters for the first date.
• How to find out what your partner actually thinks about that dress.
• Get ready: questions your partner will definitely ask you at some point.
• How many times do I have to say “I love you” before my partner believes me?
• Family getaway planning on a budget (spoiler: stay home!)
• More money spent on weddings equals a higher chance of divorce .
• Being a housewife and a mom is so much easier than working! Right?
• Make your husband clean after himself: a step-by-step guide.
• Learning to love your parents who tag you in every post on Facebook.
• Who needs a babysitter when you have a tablet and a TV?
• Dressing your toddler: are there only pink and blue clothes?
• Enjoy your time as a kid of a divorced couple ; you live in two places!
• The top 10 passive-aggressive comments to make to your “favorite” relative.
• How do you detect a typical mansplaining answer from a woman?
• The middle child : why do people often seem to forget about them?
• The reasons why your mother-in-law is not the greatest evil .
• Create a 100% stress-free family life by divorcing. 
• How to make a bathroom your private space in 5 steps.
• Fixing racism issues by promoting interracial marriages.
• Your evolution into everything you hate about your parents.
• Are divorces more expensive than weddings?
• Why all fathers should be taking paternity leave .
• What to do on a date to never be asked out by that person again.
• How to lie to your spouse and get away with it.
• The most effective tricks never to have dishwashing duty.
• How to tell your partner that they’ve gained weight .
• How to please your mom without actually following her advice.
• 10 life hacks to break up with your partner without doing anything.
• Getting a haircut is the best method to deal with a breakup.
• 15 reasons why you should always be late for dates.

If you haven’t found a suitable topic, you can use our topic generator for inspiration.

💡 Prompts for a Satirical Essay: Examples

Need some additional inspiration? The following prompts will instantly provide you with writing ideas.

Satirical Essay on Drugs: Writing Prompt

Illegal drug use is a grave problem in our society. You can draw attention to this issue by writing a satirical proposal. Here are some options:

• Try to imagine what would happen if illegal drugs were free. What adverse “benefits” would this solution have? To drive the point home, use facts and statistics to show how easily addictions form.
• You may use the same approach to write about smoking or alcohol abuse. It’s a great idea to draw inspiration from old advertisements and taglines glamorizing the “benefits” of these addictions.

Feminist Satire Essay: Writing Prompt

Describing female oppression ironically as something positive allows you to demonstrate the absurdity of sexism. Think about the following:

• Many antifeminists see equal rights as a threat to patriarchy. For your essay, think about the examples of traditional misogynistic values, such as reducing women’s roles to housework. Then, present them in an ironic way to show how absurd they are.
• Another point worth satirizing is the idea that women are tired of equal rights. Do they want to go back to doing simple tasks in the kitchen and being banned from having a fulfilling job?
• Finally, you may want to explore if feminism hurts men. Is it true, or do some men just miss being in the spotlight?

Satirical Essay on Drinking and Driving: Writing Prompt

Drunk driving is among the primary reasons for road accidents in the US. It’s also an interesting topic to explore in a satirical essay. You can research ways of reducing impaired driving and turn them upside down:

• What if we start encouraging drunk driving by making alcohol more accessible? Think what would happen if the government lowers alcohol prices or makes it legal to drink everywhere.
• You may also want to ponder the consequences of lowering the legal drinking age. What would happen if kids start thinking that drunk driving is acceptable or even cool?
• You can go even further and ironically suggest making sober driving illegal.

Satirical Essay on Texting: Writing Prompt

Texting is fun—but it also comes with plenty of downsides. Below are some points you can satirize in your essay:

• One of the major drawbacks of texting is the lack of nuance compared to real-life communication. But what if it was actually an advantage? Try to describe the “benefits” of not being able to convey irony via texting.
• You may take a more serious stance and write a satirical essay on texting and driving. Why should texting be more important than watching the road? Show why this activity is pointless and highly dangerous.

Now let’s have a look at an essay example before you start writing. You can use this sample as inspiration or help you set a tone for a satire essay. Feel free to download the PDF file below:

Sometimes I dread graduating from high school just because I won’t have to wear a uniform anymore. It’s so wonderful to me because everything else I wear is either “too short” or “too bright.” In my opinion, school uniform relieves pressure and reduces unnecessary creativity and freedom of choice.

Satire Essay Examples from World Literature

If you are used to serious writing, it’s time to give it a break. Satire essays are all about fun. Some people even consider it to be one of the most entertaining types of essays.

Not only does satire show us reality as it is: it also entertains us. Let’s look at some satire writing examples from literary masters.

• The Cop and the Anthem by O. Henry The irony is already noticeable from the very beginning of O. Henry’s short story. Whatever main character Soapy intends to do, it results in the opposite. O. Henry perfectly plays around with Soapy’s sophisticated language use: it shows that despite being homeless, the character tries to appear as if he is of high status.
• Advice to Youth by M. Twain This satirical essay by Mark Twain aims to give a piece of advice to younger readers. They would expect it to be thoughtful as it comes from a respectable author. Instead of passing down his ideas about morality and values, Twain teaches youth how to act nicely. Long story short, it’s a convenient guide on how to pretend to be well-behaved. Twain’s use of sarcastic humor flips the theme of morality upside down.
• At the Funeral by M. Twain After reading this masterpiece, most adults and parents probably wouldn’t find Mark Twain so respectable anymore. In this essay, he mocks a set of social norms related to funerals. You can see how the writer plays around with this seemingly depressing topic. However, this satirical piece comes out to be quite entertaining. The reader can’t even sense the depressing mood surrounding the funeral processions. Twain also avoids using any terms related to it. He underlines that there is no value in such a custom anymore. All in all, he conveys his ideas very naturally and humorously.
• When I Was a Witch by Charlotte Perkins Gilman This short story created by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is considered one of the best satirical writing examples. It’s a story about a woman who discovers that all her wishes come true. She starts wishing for her surroundings and society at large to change. Though her wishes might seem strange, they are related to Gilman’s real-life circumstances. Ironically, only her wishes that are caused by negative emotions come true.
• A Modest Proposal by J. Swift This satirical essay by an English writer Jonathan Swift is about Ireland’s social and political problems. At the time, there was a famine in the country. Unfortunately, the government didn’t seem to find a solution to that issue. Swift decided to make a suggestion. He proposes to breed humans like cattle, resolving overpopulation and hunger at the same time. Such a horrible suggestion is nothing but an impossible idea with a hint of sarcasm. The main point of this essay is to make fun of the Irish government’s incapability to deal with social issues.

These texts will surely inspire you to write an outstanding essay.

We wish you good luck and hope this article was helpful! Don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

Further reading:

• 435 Literary Analysis Essay Topics and Prompts [Upd]
• 460 Excellent Political Topics to Write about in 2024
• 420 Funny Speech Topics (Informative & Persuasive) + Presentation Ideas
• Funny Persuasive Speech Topics: Best Ideas for 2024
• 150 Best Environmental Essay Topics & Questions

✏️ Satirical Essay FAQ

In the modern world, there are way too many serious issues. Sensational media portrayal doesn’t make dealing with them easier. Satire helps to digest some ideas more effectively. Essays and articles often use satirical writing.

If you already have a topic, analyze the issue. You should come up with a good list of ideas first. Then, choose the most relevant points. Describe these in a satirical style. Add an introduction and a conclusion.

Students often have tasks with exact topics for their satire essays. If you need to develop an idea yourself, think about a topical issue you’ve heard about recently. Your subject might be related to your community or society as a whole.

First, read some examples of how other authors start their essays. This might vary from a quote or an anecdote to a rhetorical question. Sometimes the best way is to create an outline for the essay before writing an introduction.

• Essay Structure: Elizabeth Abrams, for the Writing Center at Harvard University
• What Is Satire? How to Use Satire in Literature, Pop Culture, and Politics: MasterClass
• Choosing a Topic: Purdue Writing Lab
• Satire Essays: Bartleby
• Origin of the Roman Satire Genre: NS. Gill, ThoughtCo
• Juvenalian Satire: Encyclopedia Britannica
• The Power of Political Satire: The New Yorker
• Political Satire: Huff Post
• Political Issues of 2024: I Side With
• Political Issues Students Care About in 2020: Best Colleges
• These Satirical Nat Geo Headlines Aren’t Too Far Off: National Geographic
• Laughing in the Face of Climate Change? Satire as a Device for Engaging Audiences in Public Debate: University of Colorado Boulder
• Technology Addiction: How Should It Be Treated?: Medical News Today
• Concerns Regarding Concerns Regarding Social Media and Health Issues in Adolescents and Young Adults: ACOG.org
• Social/Family Issues: Medline Plus
• Trump’s Biggest Accomplishments and Failures from His 1-Term Presidency: Business Insider
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Exploring 60+ Creative Satirical Essay Topics: Beyond Comedy

• Post author By admin
• November 8, 2023

Explore a world of wit and humor with our satirical essay topics. From societal absurdities to playful parodies, find inspiration for your next laughter-inducing masterpiece.

Imagine being able to express your opinions, critique the world, and entertain your audience, all while having a good laugh.

That’s the magic of satirical essays. These essays provide a unique platform where humor meets social commentary, and where you can make a powerful point with a touch of wit and sarcasm. However, the success of a satirical essay hinges on the topic you choose.

So, whether you’re aiming to tickle funny bones or provoke deep thoughts, this article is your guide to the world of satirical essay topics.

We’ll explore ideas that are not only hilarious but also thought-provoking. Get ready for a journey through the realm of satire as we uncover the perfect subjects to fuel your creativity and captivate your readers.

Table of Contents

The Art of Satire

Satire is like a secret doorway into the world of wit and wisdom, where humor becomes a tool for unveiling the absurdities of life.

It’s an art form that has been around for ages, tickling our funny bones while nudging us to think deeper. So, what’s the deal with satire, and how does it weave its magic?

At its core, satire is like a sly social commentator. It puts society, individuals, or even entire systems under a magnifying glass, exposing their quirks, flaws, and idiosyncrasies. But here’s the twist – it does all this while making us laugh, cringe, and nod in agreement.

Satire is a versatile beast, lurking in literature, theater, TV shows, and the wild world of the internet. You can stumble upon it in essays, short stories, cartoons, or even stand-up comedy.

No matter the form, satire’s mission remains constant: to challenge the norms and jolt us into questioning our reality.

What makes satire special is its talent for confronting the unmentionable. It deals with the tough stuff – the controversial, the uncomfortable, and the thought-provoking – all wrapped up in a hilarious package. It’s like delivering bitter medicine with a sweet coating.

Mastering the art of satire demands a sharp mind and a good grip on society’s quirks. It involves using humor as a Trojan horse, smuggling important messages behind the laughter.

Satirists are the word acrobats, using irony and sarcasm to create a gap between words and meanings, inviting us to read between the lines.

Satire isn’t just about teasing others; it’s also a way for creators to turn the humor microscope on themselves and their own society. It’s a bit like saying, “We’re all in this together, folks. Let’s laugh at our shared absurdities.”

In the end, satire is a waltz between laughter and contemplation. It’s a potent tool that can hold a mirror up to the truth, challenge the powerful, and kickstart change.

So, the next time you giggle at a satirical piece, remember, it’s not just humor; it’s an artful invitation to see the world from a different angle.

Finding the Perfect Satirical Essay Topic

So, you’re gearing up to dive into the world of satirical essays, armed with humor and a desire to make a point. But there’s one small challenge: what on earth should you satirize?

Finding the perfect satirical essay topic can feel like hunting for buried treasure in a vast sea of ideas. But don’t worry; we’re here to make the search more exciting than daunting.

Explore Life’s Quirky Side

Let’s start with the everyday oddities that often go unnoticed. Satire thrives on the absurdities of life. So, consider topics like “The Chronicles of Awkward Elevator Encounters” or “The Epic Saga of Misplacing Car Keys.”

Roast Society’s Foibles

Satire is a powerful tool for poking fun at societal flaws. Delve into topics like “The Unbelievable World of Clickbait Headlines” or “The Drama of Oversharing on Social Media.”

Mock Trends and Hypes

Trends and fads come and go, but their absurdity lingers. Satirical essays can take a hilarious spin on subjects like “The ‘Instant Celebrity’ Recipe” or “The Quest for the Ultimate Superfood.”

Expose Hypocrisy

Nothing’s quite as amusing as uncovering double standards. Consider topics like “The Eco-Warrior with a Private Jet” or “The ‘Healthy Living’ Guru Who Sneaks Midnight Snacks.”

Satirize Celebrity Culture

Celebrities and public figures are a satirist’s playground. Create essays like “A Day in the Life of a Paparazzo” or “The Politician’s Guide to Perfecting the Fake Smile.”

Twist Timeless Tales

Classic stories and fairytales can get a satirical makeover. Imagine “Snow White’s Reality TV Dilemma” or “The True Story Behind ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.'”

Tease Technology

Our tech-infused lives offer endless satirical material. Think about subjects like “The Smartphone Addiction Chronicles” or “The Comedy of Online Dating Fails.”

Skewer Schooling

Educational systems have quirks worth exploring. Consider topics like “The Art of Mastering Procrastination in College” or “The Confessions of a Self-Help Guru’s Ghostwriter.”

Roast Pop Culture

Pop culture is a goldmine for satire. Delve into topics like “The Art of Reality TV Editing” or “Decoding Celebrity Baby Names.”

Reflect on Human Quirks

Sometimes, the best satirical essays explore the oddities of human behavior. Think about subjects like “The Secret Language of Passive-Aggressiveness” or “The Science of Cringe-Worthy Moments.”

Remember, the key to a fantastic satirical essay is to mix humor, irony, and a dash of social critique. Seek out the absurd in the ordinary, and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of creativity.

With the right topic in your sights, you’re on your way to crafting a satirical masterpiece that’s not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving your readers chuckling and pondering the world around them. Happy satirizing!

Satirical Essay Topics

Check out satirical essay topics:

Social Issues

• The “Selfie Olympics”: A Humorous Take on Self-Obsession
• “Smart” Appliances: How Your Toaster Is Plotting Against You
• The Art of Ghosting in Modern Dating: A Guide for Cowards
• “Influencer” Starter Kits: A Satirical Look at Vanity in a Box
• “Political Correctness” Gone Mad: The Absurdity of Language Policing
• The Faux Philanthropist: Exposing Fake Social Activism
• Instagram Filters: The Gateway Drug to Plastic Surgery
• The Chronicles of “Healthy” Fast Food Chains
• “Inspirational” Quote Overload: When Motivational Messages Lose Their Meaning
• The Irony of “Cancel Culture”: Who’s Next in Line for Erasure?

Technology and Digital Age

• The Amazon Echo: Is Your Virtual Stalker Also a Comedian?
• The Satire of Social Media “Influencers” Selling the Impossible
• The Comedy of Clickbait: When Everything Is “Mind-Blowing”
• GPS Devices: Helping You Get Lost Like a Pro
• The Hilarity of Internet Trolls: A Deep Dive into the Art of Anonymity
• The True Cost of “Free” Apps: Selling Your Soul for Candy Crush
• The Mystery of “Smart” Home Devices: Are They Plotting World Domination?
• The Ridiculous World of Internet Challenges: From Cinnamon to Tide Pods
• The Irony of Virtual Reality: Escaping the Real World to Do the Same Things
• The Evolution of “Face Filters”: From Cute Animals to Unrecognizable Humans

Education and Learning

• The Art of “Wikipedia Scholar” Degrees
• Group Projects: Where Slackers Become the Best Magicians
• The Science of Fake Homework Excuses: A Comprehensive Study
• The Irony of “Learning Styles”: Are You a Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic Liar?
• The Satire of “No Child Left Behind”: How We Left Them All Behind
• The Comedy of “Participation Trophies”: Everyone’s a Winner (Except Not Really)
• Teachers’ Lounge Conspiracy Theories: What Really Happens in There
• The Mystery of Library “Silence” Zones: The Noisiest Places on Campus
• The Chronicles of “Extra Credit” Hustlers: Masters of the Brown-Nosing Arts
• “Back to School” Sales: How to Convince Kids That Pencils Are Fashion Statements

Pop Culture

• Celebrity Fragrances: Smelling Like You Could Be Famous
• The Comedy of Reality TV: Where Non-Celebrities Act Like Celebrities
• The Hilarity of Award Show Speeches: From “Genuine” Tears to Thanking Your Dog
• The Mystery of Viral Internet Challenges: Surviving the Stupidity
• The Absurdity of Tabloid Headlines: Alien Babies and Celebrity Reincarnations
• “Trendy” Diets: From the Cabbage Soup Cleanse to the Twinkie Diet
• The Satirical Take on Superhero Films: When Spandex Saves the Day
• The Comedy of “Real Housewives” Shows: Unreal Lives in Expensive Houses
• Celebrity Social Media Feuds: The Battle for the Most Retweets
• “Cool” Urban Legends: Bigfoot’s Hipster Cousin and the Loch Ness Hipster

Environmental Issues

• The Comedy of Earth Day Parades: Marching for the Planet with Plastic Signs
• The Irony of “Eco-Friendly” Disposable Diapers: Breaking Down in a Million Years
• The Green Guilt Trip: How Your Neighbor’s Solar Panels Shame You
• The Chronicles of the “Green” Car Owner: Driving a Gas Guzzler with a Green Sticker
• “Zero-Waste” Instagram Accounts: How to Produce Tons of Trash for Likes
• “Organic” Fast Food: Because Deep-Fried Organic Is Healthier, Right?
• The Absurdity of “Recycling” Electronics: Sending Your Old Laptop to a Landfill
• The Hilarity of “Farm-to-Table” Restaurants: How Far Is That Farm, Really?
• “Eco-Friendly” Water Bottles: Saving the Earth, One Plastic Bottle at a Time
• The Satire of “Vegan” Junk Food: Tofu Hot Dogs and Deep-Fried Kale Chips

Political Issues

• Political Campaign Slogans: Promising Everything, Delivering Nothing
• The Comedy of Political Debates: Where Civility Goes to Die
• Political “Spin Doctors”: Turning Scandals into Inspirational Stories
• The Absurdity of Political Ads: Making Promises You Know Won’t Be Kept
• The Mystery of Bureaucratic Jargon: Translating “Government Speak” into English
• Election Promises vs. Reality: A Satirical Look at Broken Pledges
• The Irony of Campaign Fundraising: How the Poor Donate to the Rich
• Presidential Twitter Wars: When World Leaders Act Like Teenagers
• Political Conventions: Where Balloons Are the Highlight of the Evening
• The Satire of Political Polls: Predicting the Future with a Magic 8-Ball

The Recipe for a Perfect Satirical Essay

Satirical essays are a unique and entertaining form of writing that allows you to explore and critique various aspects of society, culture, and human behavior with a humorous twist.

Crafting the perfect satirical essay requires a blend of wit, humor, and keen observation. Whether you’re an experienced satirist or just dipping your toes into this literary art form, here’s the recipe for creating a deliciously satirical essay:

Choose a Target

Start by identifying your target, which is the subject of your satire. It can be a social issue, a cultural phenomenon, a common behavior, or any aspect of society that you find intriguing or absurd.

Your target should be something you have strong opinions about, as satire involves commentary.

Understand Your Audience

Consider your audience’s sensibilities and preferences. Satire should be funny and thought-provoking, but it should also resonate with your readers. Know what will make them chuckle or nod in agreement.

Develop a Strong Thesis

Your satirical essay should have a clear thesis statement that conveys your central message or criticism. This statement will guide your entire essay and help your readers understand the purpose of your satire.

Embrace Exaggeration

Exaggeration is a key ingredient in satirical writing. Amplify the flaws, quirks, or absurdities of your target to an extreme degree. Push it to the limit to create humor and emphasize the point you’re making.

Employ Irony and Sarcasm

Irony and sarcasm are your trusty companions in satire. Use them to highlight the gap between appearances and reality, between what’s said and what’s meant. Witty one-liners and clever wordplay can add an extra layer of humor.

Employ Parody

Parody involves mimicking or imitating a particular style, genre, or individual to create humor. You can parody well-known personalities, famous works of literature, or iconic brands. This approach adds a layer of recognition for your readers.

Use Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an extravagant exaggeration used for emphasis. It’s an effective tool for satirists. Make the ordinary extraordinary, and the absurd even more ridiculous with the use of hyperbole.

Employ Ridicule

Ridicule is the act of mocking or making fun of your target. It’s a fundamental component of satire. Create amusing caricatures, funny situations, or absurd scenarios to ridicule your subject.

Craft a Catchy Title

Your essay’s title is your first chance to grab your readers’ attention. Make it catchy, clever, and relevant to your subject matter. A well-crafted title sets the tone for your satire.

Provide Real-World Examples

Support your satire with real-world examples, anecdotes, or observations. These give your essay authenticity and make your critique more relatable.

Maintain Consistency

Stay consistent in your satirical approach throughout the essay. Your humor, tone, and style should remain constant from start to finish.

Offer a Resolution or Alternative

A good satirical essay doesn’t just point out flaws; it suggests improvements or alternative solutions. Offer a thought-provoking resolution or present an absurd alternative to highlight the flaws in the existing system or behavior.

Revise and Edit

Like any other type of writing, satirical essays benefit from revision and editing. Review your work for clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness. Ensure that your humor is sharp and your message is clear.

Seek Feedback:

Share your essay with friends or colleagues and ask for their feedback. A fresh perspective can help you refine your satire.

Don’t Cross Boundaries

While satire encourages humor and exaggeration, be mindful not to cross into offensive or hurtful territory. Your satire should be amusing and thought-provoking, not mean-spirited.

Incorporate these ingredients into your satirical essay recipe, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious, thought-provoking, and entertaining piece of satirical writing.

Remember, the goal is not just to make your readers laugh but also to make them think. Happy satirizing!

What is a good topic for satire?

When it comes to crafting a satirical essay, choosing the right topic is essential. A good satirical topic should be timely, relevant, and capable of shedding light on the hypocrisy, absurdity, or foolishness prevalent in a particular person, group, or institution.

Here, we present a handful of excellent topics ripe for satirical exploration:

The Social Media Obsession

Satire can delve into our incessant phone-checking habits and the constant updates on our lives. Explore the addictive nature of likes and followers in the digital age.

The Political Circus

Politics is a treasure trove of satirical material. Unveil the world of empty promises made by politicians or their peculiar fascination with fundraising over serving constituents.

The Cult of Celebrity

Delve into the worship of celebrities and society’s fixation on every move they make. Expose the extremes of idolizing famous figures.

Commercialized Holidays

Highlight the shift of holidays from meaningful family and friend gatherings to consumerist extravaganzas. Satirize the overwhelming emphasis on shopping.

The Wellness Mania

Poke fun at the relentless pursuit of healthy eating and exercise, sometimes taken to the point of neuroticism. Examine society’s obsession with wellness.

These topics serve as a starting point, and there are numerous other excellent options for satirical essays. The key lies in selecting a topic that seamlessly combines humor with thought-provoking insights, fostering essential conversations about pertinent issues.

In the realm of satire, humor is the vehicle, but reflection is the destination.

What is a satirical essay?

Satirical essays are a unique genre that employs humor, irony, exaggeration, and various literary devices to critique individuals, groups, or institutions.

Their purpose is to reveal hypocrisy, absurdity, or foolishness, all while prompting readers to view essential issues from a fresh perspective.

Let’s explore the defining features of a satirical essay:

Humor with a Purpose

Satirical essays are inherently humorous, but this humor serves a greater objective. It isn’t merely for laughter’s sake; it’s a powerful tool used to underscore the essay’s subject.

Masters of Irony and Sarcasm

Satire relies heavily on irony and sarcasm, two potent instruments. Irony involves using words in a way that contradicts their actual meaning, while sarcasm is a form of irony that expresses contempt or criticism.

Exaggeration for Effect

Satirical essays often amplify the flaws and shortcomings of their subjects. This amplification serves to sharpen the essay’s point and portray the subject in an even more ludicrous light.

Laser-Focused on Specifics

These essays are not vague musings. They pinpoint particular individuals, groups, or institutions, enhancing their effectiveness in conveying a message.

Clever and Witty Execution

A successful satirical essay should be clever and witty. Without these qualities, it risks losing its humor and impact.

In the world of satirical essays, humor is the vehicle, but enlightenment is the destination. These essays serve as a remarkable means to provoke reflection on crucial issues, all while bringing a smile to the reader’s face.

What is a good satire example?

In the world of literary satire, some timeless classics have managed to tickle our funny bones while offering profound insights.

These masterpieces don’t just amuse us; they make us ponder the follies of human nature and society. Here are a few of these gems:

1. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift (1726)

Swift takes us on a whimsical journey with Lemuel Gulliver through lands like Lilliput, Brobdingnag, and more. But beneath the fantastical adventures lies a clever satire on the quirks of humanity, politics, and society.

2. Candide by Voltaire (1759)

Voltaire’s story follows the eternal optimist Candide, who explores the world and encounters a string of misfortunes. Through Candide’s misadventures, Voltaire uses satire to skewer the notion of unbridled optimism and reflect on the harsh realities of our world.

3. Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945)

Orwell’s allegorical tale is a biting critique of the Russian Revolution and the emergence of Stalinism. As a group of farm animals rebel against their human overlords to create their society, Orwell uncovers the corrupting influence of power.

4. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961)

Heller’s novel hilariously underscores the absurdity of war and the bureaucratic maze of the military. Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Air Force bombardier feigning insanity to avoid more bombing missions, embodies the dark comedy that ensues in wartime.

5. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole (1980)

Toole paints a satirical portrait of Southern culture and the elusive American Dream through the comical misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly. A lovable yet exasperating character, Ignatius dreams of becoming a writer while wrestling with his own eccentricities.

These works are just a sampling of the rich tapestry of satire in literature. They remind us that humor can be a powerful tool for reflecting on society and uncovering truths in the quirkiest and most unexpected ways.

In the enchanting world of satire, the boundaries are as limitless as your creativity. Satirical essay topics offer a stage where humor, irony, and cleverness intertwine, allowing us to dive headfirst into the quirks of human behavior, the baffling peculiarities of society, and the intricacies of our ever-evolving world.

These topics spark laughter, but they do much more – they beckon us to think. Satirical essays act as a mirror, reflecting back the contradictions, paradoxes, and absurdities we often overlook.

They prod us to question the norms, to challenge established norms, and to perceive the world from a fresh angle.

So, whether you’re composing a satirical essay to entertain, to shed light on social issues, or just for the sheer joy of wit, remember that satire transcends humor – it’s an art form that inspires contemplation.

It’s a delightful nudge that reminds us humor can be a powerful instrument for change, and that even the weightiest of subjects can benefit from a sprinkle of humor.

So, let your imagination soar and your pen dance merrily, because who knows, amid the chuckles, you might uncover profound truths that were hiding in plain sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a satirical essay.

A satirical essay aims to criticize and ridicule societal issues, individuals, or institutions using humor, irony, and exaggeration. Its purpose is to entertain, make readers think, and shed light on the absurdities of our world.

Can I use satire to discuss serious topics?

Absolutely! Satire is a powerful tool to address serious issues indirectly. It allows you to critique and challenge the status quo while keeping your readers engaged through humor.

How do I maintain a balance between humor and critique in a satirical essay?

Balancing humor and critique in a satirical essay is key. Ensure that your humor supports your critique and doesn’t undermine the seriousness of the issue you’re addressing. Clever wit and well-crafted irony can help maintain this balance.

Is it essential to use real examples in a satirical essay?

While using real examples can enhance the impact of your satire, it’s not always necessary. You can create fictional scenarios and characters to highlight the absurdities

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Black Satire Is Having Its Hollywood Moment, but Something Is Missing

Recent releases like “American Fiction” and “The American Society of Magical Negroes” have used absurdist humor to examine race. But they have also depicted narrow views of Blackness.

By Maya Phillips

In 2017, Jordan Peele’s “ Get Out ” was a critical and commercial smash that immediately became one of the defining movies of the Trump Era. The next year, Boots Riley’s masterful “ Sorry to Bother You ” seemed to herald a new golden age for Black satire films. But as those movies stood out for using surreal plot twists to humorously — and horrifically — unpack complex ideas like racial appropriation and consumer culture, the crop that has followed hasn’t kept pace. The current moment is defined by a central question: What does the “Black” look like in Black satire films today? Too often lately it’s “not Black enough.”

By that I mean to say a recent influx of films, including “ The American Society of Magical Negroes ,” “ American Fiction ” and “ The Blackening ,” have failed to represent Blackness with all its due complexity — as sometimes messy, sometimes contradictory. Instead, they flatten and simplify Blackness to serve a more singular, and thus digestible, form of satirical storytelling.

The foremost example is “American Fiction,” inspired by Percival Everett’s 2001 novel “ Erasure ,” which won this year’s Oscar for best screenplay. In the film, a Black author and professor named Monk (played by Jeffrey Wright) finds literary success through “My Pafology,” a novel satirizing books that feed negative Black stereotypes. But Monk’s audience receives his book with earnest praise, forcing him to reconcile his newfound prosperity with his racial ethics.

The surface layer of satire is obvious: The white audiences and publishing professionals who celebrate “My Pafology” do so not because of its merits but because the book allows them to fetishize another tragic Black story. It’s a performance of racial acceptance; these fans are literally buying into their own white guilt.

Monk’s foil in the film is another Black author, Sintara Golden (Issa Rae), who publishes a popular book of sensationalist Black trauma about life in the ghetto. Profiting on her white audience’s racist assumptions about Blackness, Sintara is this satire’s race traitor — or so it initially seems. Because when, in one scene, Monk questions whether Sintara’s book is any different from “My Pafology,” which she dismisses as pandering, she counters that she is spotlighting an authentic Black experience. Sintara accuses Monk of snobbery, saying that his highfalutin notion of Blackness excludes other Black experiences because he is too ashamed to recognize them.

But the fact that it is Sintara who voices the film’s criticism of Monk shows how loath “American Fiction” is to make a value statement on the characters’ actions within the context of their Blackness. Sintara, whom Monk catches reading “White Negroes,” a text about Black cultural appropriation, somehow isn’t winkingly framed as the hypocrite or the inauthentic one pointing out the hypocrisy and inauthenticity of the hero.

This adaptation seems to misunderstand that “Erasure” is as much a critique of how white audiences perceive these Black characters’ art and their identities as it is about how the characters decide to manipulate or contradict these perceptions. “American Fiction” takes the easy way out by making both of these characters right, a move which undercuts the nuances of how Monk and Sintara are negotiating themselves as Black people and the ethical weight of their choices.

In the similarly watered-down comedy-horror film “The Blackening,” a group of Black college friends reunites in a remote cabin for a Juneteenth celebration. Once there, the friends are hunted and threatened by unknown assailants and forced to play a minstrel-style trivia game proving their Blackness.

The racial satire of “The Blackening” is straightforward: The villains are white people who appropriate, sell and kill Black bodies. And the whole concept of the film is based on that common racist horror film trope in which the Black character is the first to die.

Like “American Fiction,” it falls into the trap of building its scaffolding from an outside look at Blackness, as something defined by and reactionary against whiteness. The result is another film that neglects being “too Black” — skimping on an interior look into Blackness that may sometimes contradict or betray itself. Blackness is so singularly defined — these Black friends are celebrating Juneteenth, and the game asks them questions about rap lyrics and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” — that neither the plot’s action nor the comedy surprises. The reveal that the nerdy Trump-voting Black character (played by Jermaine Fowler) is the true bad guy is obvious, and says little on a satirical level beyond that “illegitimate” or “inauthentic” Blackness is dangerous and easy to spot.

“The American Society of Magical Negroes,” a title that references a particular character trope seen in movies like “The Green Mile” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” also fails to offer a three-dimensional depiction of Blackness. In the movie, a meek Black man named Aren (Justice Smith) is introduced to the titular group by longtime member Roger (David Alan Grier). Aren initially denies that he’s concerned about race but then embraces his role as a magical Negro — until his love life intersects with his first assignment, forcing him to choose between embracing agency over his own life and defying society.

The film’s fantastical central idea, however, is more show than substance. For most of a film that’s supposed to mock a racist character trope, it’s ironic that we don’t see much of these characters beyond their acting in this trope. Aren’s Blackness tellingly feels incidental though it’s central to the plot. His biracial identity is thrown out as a brief aside, when it seems like a prominent character detail to explore in a satire about proscribed racial roles.

The one-handed satirical approach of these films may, to some extent, come down to a failure of the writing. But there’s another factor at play — box office politics. The more obvious layer of satire, addressing white oppression and white guilt, seems aimed at white liberal audiences so they can feel in on the joke. Black audiences, on the other hand, are left with a simplified representation of their race that doesn’t dare be too controversial.

Just a few years ago “Get Out” and “Sorry to Bother You” each offered its own sharp satire about how whiteness may break down the Black psyche. While both films build their action around the absurd ways whiteness sabotages the protagonists on a societal level, they differ from the newer satires by representing, either metaphorically or literally, spaces of Black interiority or consciousness damaged by whiteness. In “Get Out,” it’s the Black hero’s entrapment in the Sunken Place, which became one of the defining metaphors of its time. In “Sorry to Bother You,” the hero’s moment of truth arrives when he must choose whether to retain his identity and class status, or to continue using a racial performance to gain clout and success, to lose his humanity.

There is one recent exception to the recent spate of middling Black satirical films: Netflix’s “They Cloned Tyrone.” In the film, a drug dealer named Fontaine (John Boyega), a pimp named Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) and a prostitute named Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) discover a clandestine program at work within their town. The Black residents are being cloned, experimented on and mind-controlled via rap music and stereotypically Black products like fried chicken and chemical relaxers.

But the satire works in both directions. The film cleverly makes the main three characters conscious of the stereotypes they portray. They question whether those roles serve them or serve the racist scheming happening around them. Fontaine eventually discovers that the big bad is the original Fontaine, who initiated the cloning process and is trying to whitewash Black people into white people a la another famous satire, “ Black No More .” Through this twist, “They Cloned Tyrone” showcases how racism can subvert the minds of even the marginalized.

“They Cloned Tyrone” succeeds in its depiction of “authentic Blackness” in comparison to other recent satires. It’s not just about the way characters speak or the exaggerated depictions of their lives; it’s also about their internal conflicts, whether they choose to submit to a racist narrative and how much agency they have over their own narratives.

These satires, after all, come down to narratives: Beneath the commentary, the jokes and the ironies are meant to reveal what are, essentially, Black stories. But so many of these films fail to understand the central, perhaps the only, parameter of a “Black story”: that it be honest and complicated and, at the very least, inclusive of the people it depicts.

Maya Phillips is an arts and culture critic for The Times.  More about Maya Phillips

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