Satire is a literary technique that has been used for centuries to humorously criticize societal issues and human behavior.
What I like the most about satire is that it often acts as a safety valve for the expression of anger. Whenever I read a news article about certain politicians, for example, I can detect the ill-will in the background, and my rage ignites. I cannot go out armed with a Kalashnikov or a sniper rifle, but I can certainly vent my fury in words.
The brilliant satirist, Carl Hiassen, explained: “Good satire comes from anger. It comes from a sense of injustice, that there are wrongs in the world that need to be fixed.” The way we make that rage palatable to readers is by infusing humor, irony and exaggeration into our writing. In that form, it can bring folks who’re not thrilled by political or social injustice discussions to come to the table and hopefully leave with food for thought.
“Satires are made to critique and entertain,” states Dieter Declercq. "Satires are really designed for something other than changing the world.” (Philosopher’s Magazine, Feb. 2021) To be sure, it is constructive social criticism with a bite, a coping mechanism and an often cathartic experience for the writer. In my view, perhaps a slice of mordant insight with an enticing cherry on top can draw readers’ attention to the oppressive flaws in modern society. What the reader does with the cherry is up to them.
Though satire’s focus is often political, it does not have to be. Some of my satirical work also addresses human and animal rights and environmental protection.
Here are a few tips on how to write satire effectively, which I hope you’ll find helpful.
Understand the Purpose of Satire
Satire isn’t just about humor; it’s about making a statement regarding unfair political or societal issues that you’re passionate about. Regardless of your goal, your satire should have an identifiable underlying message. For example, Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal and George Orwell’s Animal Farm, both use humor to highlight poverty and totalitarianism respectively. So write with subtlety but not forcefully, trusting your readers to pick up on the underlying critique. What message do you want to convey?
Find the Absurdity in Reality
From your keen observation, think about what’s ironic, hypocritical, or ridiculous about your subject. Next, create a humorous, exaggerated version of that reality. For example, one of my stories features farm animals who unexpectedly exchange vocalizations—cows bray, donkeys moo—to underscore the absurdity of a farmer’s greed in a humorous way. When the farmer decides to make money off the attraction, the animals refuse to comply.
Use Exaggeration and Hyperbole, But Don’t Overdo It
Satire often relies on exaggeration or hyperbole, but this effect should be applied skillfully to avoid seeming absurdly off the wall. Hyperbolic situations should still resonate with readers, making them think, “That’s ridiculous—but I can see the truth in it.” Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal does this by proposing a grotesque solution (eating children to combat poverty) to emphasize the severity of societal neglect.
Consider Tone and Delivery
The tone of your delivery is crucial. A tongue-in-cheek or deadpan approach can help convey the satirical nature of your piece. Think about your favorite stand-up comics and why their approach appeals to you. Avoid overt sarcasm, as it may come off as merely cynical rather than satirical. Use a light, playful tone to highlight even the darkest themes, allowing readers to see the humor without feeling alienated by the critique.
Use Strong, Relatable Characters
Characters in satire, whether human or animal, often embody exaggerated traits or ideas Make their personalities relatable to the reader: the hypocritical politician, the clueless detective, the overly sensitive pooch. By making them relatable and flawed, readers will see the character’s side of the issues you’re critiquing, making the satire even more impactful.
Take Risks with Your Ideas
Satire often pushes boundaries and pokes fun at topics others avoid. Don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths or controversial issues. Be brave in your critique, and trust that readers will see the satire’s intent, even if they don’t agree with you. And learn to develop a thick skin. Controversy has a habit of bringing dissenters out of the woodwork. Politely agree to disagree and move on.
Shoot For Clarity and Brevity
Excessive wordiness can lessen the impact of the humor and stifle your message, so aim for clarity and brevity. Keep your readers engaged and alert to the next bit of insight or punchline.
Sample satire entry from my upcoming book, Strange Fruit: A Collection of Dark Allegories, Fantasy, and Madness
A Letter to the Queen
Dear Queen,
It is with great regret that I wish to inform you of the death of my great-uncle, Urea Peake. As you may have been aware, Christmas Day was to be his 100th birthday, a milestone he had been eagerly anticipating.
He was a small, insignificant person who left no previous sign of his long existence except for the now empty box of sixteen paracetamol tablets and a short note.
I had left him earlier on Christmas morning to attend to other family matters while he eagerly awaited your congratulatory telegram recognizing his centenary. It was something he had incessantly talked about for the last four months, and it obviously meant a great deal to him. But, alas, your telegram never arrived.
The paracetamol tablets, all sixteen of them (thirty-four pence at Tesco's, I believe) resulted in a rupture of his already ulcerated bladder, causing him to lose every last drop of his bodily fluids. Fortunately, he had chosen to sit in the bath with the plug out to save us the trouble of cleaning up should anything have gone amiss, as it did.
When I returned that evening, I was confronted with a tiny, fragile yellow cadaver, the skin hanging limply between his ribs and pelvis. I can assure you that the odour was none too pleasant. He had left me a note of explanation, simply two words—‘SHE FORGOT’—written on the back of a water bill in black felt-tip ink.
I understand that at this time of year, your own family must be very demanding, what with the shooting and heavy drinking, but I am truly dismayed that you, you of all people, should have been the cause, the destruction of not only his long unproductive life but also of his one and only aspiration—to reach his 100th birthday and receive a telegram from you, his Queen.
Nonetheless, I wish you a happy New Year and with a deep bow, I will now close to carry out my great-uncle's last wish, which was, ‘Bury me in the garden’.
I am, yours obediently,
Harold Halouni
(c) 2012 Barry Harden
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