Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is C) To praise, as satire is intended to criticize, expose, and ridicule but not to praise, which is opposite its critical intent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Satire is a literary genre that employs humor, exaggeration, and ridicule to criticize and expose human vices and follies. The purposes of satire are therefore to criticize, expose, and ridicule. However, satire is not used to praise, which would be antithetical to its critical nature.
A powerful tool in literature and media, satire can highlight faulty, silly, or immoral practices by authorities or society at large. It often requires a delicate balance to avoid giving away the critical point too early, and a skilled satirist will cunningly peel back the layers to reveal the folly in the subject they are addressing.
Jonathan Swift is a classic example of an author who excelled at satire, using it to not only entertain but also to provoke thought and encourage critique of prevalent issues of his time. Providing an objective account while maintaining a credible narrative context is crucial for effective satire.