Final answer:
Satire is a literary technique that uses humor or ridicule to expose flaws in social institutions or policies, aiming to provoke thought and inspire change. It is a careful balance of humor and criticism, and well-known satirists like Jonathan Swift have effectively used it to critique society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Satire is a literary genre that uses humor, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize folly, vice, or incompetence typically in the context of social institutions or policies. It serves as a powerful tool for writers who wish to subtly reveal the flaws within various aspects of society or governance. Satire targets these areas with the intent of provoking thought and discourse, often hoping to inspire change or simply to provide a means of reflecting on societal norms. Notably, figures like Jonathan Swift are renowned for their adept use of satire to tackle contemporary issues in their work, cleverly disguising their criticism behind humor and wit. By presenting real-world issues in a heightened, often absurd context, satire encourages readers to look beyond the surface humor and consider the underlying truths and messages being presented.
As a form of social commentary, satire targets often include politics, cultural norms, and various other institutions and policies that govern or influence public life. The style necessitates a careful balance, as the satirist must ensure their humor does not overshadow the critical point they are attempting to make. Indeed, maintaining this balance can be challenging; if the narrative becomes too overtly comedic, the satirical intent may be lost, whereas if the criticism is too direct, the humorous appeal may diminish.