meaning of satire

[Helga]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #269 "Literary Terms (1)", question 2

A funny piece of writing that usually makes fun of foolish or evil behavior is called a ..........

(a) metaphor
(b) satire
(c) exaggeration

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #269 "Literary Terms (1)", answer 2

A funny piece of writing that usually makes fun of foolish or evil behavior is called a satire.

Correct answer: (b) satire
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explanation, please.

Helga

[Alan]

Hi Helga,

'Satire' is usually a humorous piece of writing. A literary example is of writing that makes fun of a situation or people, using different characters to represent the real event or people. An example is Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) where he creates an imaginary situation with the idea of mocking/making fun of contemporary society.

Alan
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