Satire in the 18th Century and in Modern Times

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Ridiculous Idea vs. Humorous Laughter
The use of humor, exaggeration, irony or ridicule to expose, criticize or make fun people’s stupidity or vices. It is the dictionary definition of satire. The usage of juvenalian satire to criticize was openly and frequently done in the 18th century. Coming to the modern day, horatian satire is used to not only criticize but also make fun of modern times. What must be understood is that the usage of satire in both times was focused on society however; with each particular satire it focused on the different problems within it.

Bold, ridiculous, unheard of idea were not unknown in 18th century satire. The famous thinking outside the box was truly being done. The juvenalian satire was outrageous, taking Jonathan Swift for example in “The Modest Proposal”; he proposed to eat children to feed the hungry starving people of Ireland. This is such an absurd idea that it would have never been taken seriously. It was to criticize to ruling class and shine a different light on the situation. Overall it was meant to ask society for a change, they couldn’t ...

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