Final answer:
The use of satire in literature, epitomized by authors like Juvenal and Jonathan Swift, exposes hypocrisy by critiquing social ills with humor, prompting readers to reflect on serious underlying issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of hypocrisy in literature is prominently showcased through the use of satire, which serves as a penetrating tool to expose contradictions in societal norms and individual behaviors. Ancient Roman writer Juvenal, in Satire 2, employs satire to criticize those who present a moralistic front publicly while indulging in immoral acts privately. Such hypocrisy is depicted as a gradual descent, exemplifying concerns over the erosion of Roman societal standards. Furthermore, satire's effectiveness relies on subtlety and skillful writing that allows readers to perceive the folly being ridiculed without overt direction from the author. The theme is a central idea in a literary work, like Hamlet's themes of grief and political corruption, and in satire, it is often the critique of social ills masked by humor or exaggerated narratives.
Writers like Jonathan Swift have mastered the art of satire, using it to generate laughter while still engaging readers with serious social commentary. It is the balance of humor and critique that lends satire its power, creating an experience where the reader is entertained but also prompted to reflect on underlying issues. Juvenal's escalation from fashion criticism to moral condemnation reflects concerns about the potential decline of Roman values, illustrating the profound effects of satire as a literary device.