Final answer:
Literary techniques such as humor, exaggeration, ridicule, sarcasm, and irony, particularly in the form of satire, can be used to effectively critique corruption and social problems in a manner that is both approachable and impactful.
Step-by-step explanation:
Literary techniques that can be used to criticize corruption and social problems include humor, exaggeration, ridicule, sarcasm, and irony. These techniques can render a serious topic more approachable and compelling, often serving to highlight the absurdity of a situation while also engaging and entertaining the reader. Humor can be liberating when it is used to laugh at authorities, and it serves as an effective tool for social critique.
For instance, satire uses humor, exaggeration, and ridicule to expose human follies or societal issues. It is a nuanced approach that often requires skillful writing to prevent the message from becoming obscured by the comedic elements. Renowned authors like Charles Dickens and Jonathan Swift have masterfully used satire to communicate their critical perspectives on social injustices and political foibles. While a satire can be an effective tool for challenging the status quo, it requires careful construction to avoid diluting its thematic message.