Which term refers to the method employed by writers to show foolishness and corruption of an individual or society by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule?

• A. Anecdote
• B. Parody
• C. Irony
• D. Satire

Answer: (D)

Satire uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize foolishness and corruption in individuals or society. This approach invites readers to see flaws by poking fun at them, often highlighting how appearances mask real problems and prompting thought or reform. Irony and exaggeration amplify the gap between what is and what should be, while ridicule weakens the authority of the faulty idea or person being targeted. Anecdotes are brief stories used to illustrate a point, not a broad technique for critiquing society. Parody imitates someone else’s style for humorous effect and may critique by mimicry, but its main aim isn’t always to expose social wrongdoing. Irony is a device that can appear within satire, but it alone does not define the overall method of using humor to critique. An example is Swift’s A Modest Proposal, which leverages irony and exaggerated reasoning to expose the cruelty of policy toward the poor and urge reform.