Defining good satire is not an easy task. It appears mostly from personal grievances and sometimes from an urge for reform. And the primary outcome that emerges from cooking and serving this literary recipe is laughter. However, an undercurrent of bitterness certainly engulfs the affected side. And in reality, this bitter sense makes the survival of good satire inevitably vivid and everlasting.
Authors of various literary eras adopted satire as a tool to draw their feelings and experiences with a soft touch of laughter. Their writings show that this portrayal aims to unveil the malpractices and follies in society.
Now, whatever the reasons to draw good satire, one thing is obvious it is the attack either on social evils or an individual or a group of people. There is no denying that externally humour or laughter appears as more of a delight and enjoyment. But, good satire at times gets confined to the caging of parody.
According to many pioneering writers, satire is a tool only to ridicule and, for sure, not to abuse. However, it often appears bitter. Yes, bitter for the affected part. Nevertheless, many eminent authors oppose this view and opine that good satire aims to detest sins and not the sinners. And this is one of the good reasons why it emerges more lively and frisky, not unkind or wounding.
Nonetheless, exceptions are visible but in a minimal number. The works of Pope are good examples in this respect, although these can’t diminish the beneficial role of a satirist.
The work of a satirist is not to mere mince some specific subject matters. There always remains an urge to become outspoken to pinpoint the social follies that need urgent rectification. Being honest and candid may sometimes appear extraordinarily forceful, even on some occasions crushing. But, that doesn’t reduce the need for an eye-opener.
It is an undeniable truth that good satire tempts a blow in the face of evils and malpractices in society. Also, it doesn’t hesitate to hit the hardest on some occasions but never steps into the trap of vulgarity and hard-heartedness.
The best trait of a good satire is to adopt the best possible shortest route to hit the target. Also, it must be compact and concise in order to voice a great deal in a small space. Because being needlessly wordy demolishes the necessary potential impact.
Severe analysis may unlock some scopes of criticizing, but, in truth, satire itself appears as a commendable medium with a narrative force of meaningful expression and a prompt punch of wit. And authors use it skilfully to collect the maximum momentum to achieve their goals. More specifically, writers choose it to pinpoint the societal areas that need swift reforms.
