Final answer:
Satire is a type of humorous writing or speech that uses wit to criticize or ridicule societal norms, personal vices, and institutional follies. It requires a careful balance of humor and critique to not distort the intended message. Notable authors, including Charles Dickens and Jonathan Swift, have employed satire effectively in their works.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humorous writing or speech intended to point out errors, falsehoods, foibles, or failings is known as satire. Satire employs humor, exaggeration, and ridicule to highlight various aspects of human behavior, often criticizing societal norms or political issues. By focusing on human ignorance, vice, or foolishness, satire presents these in a way that can make the audience laugh, while also reflecting on the underlying serious messages. Famous writers like Charles Dickens and Jonathan Swift adeptly used satire and other forms of humor in their literature to manipulate readers and lead them to draw their own conclusions about the tackled issues.
It's important for satirical writers to balance their tone and language choices, since frequent lapses in tone can result in the work being unsuitable for the intended audience and purpose. Good satire should not fall into the realm of logical fallacies such as hasty generalizations or circular arguments, which can undermine the writer's intentions. When done well, satire not only entertains but can also challenge readers to reconsider their perspectives and societal norms.