Satire is a genre of literature in which an author, individuals, governments, or societies are shamed or ridiculed, usually through mimicry and mockery of popular activities, ways of speaking, or concerns. Authors often use sarcasm, wit, and irony to achieve a darkly comedic effect.
Satire is related to farce and parody in that it often exaggerates and juxtaposes aspects of individuals or societies; however, satire's purpose goes beyond entertainment to call for social awareness and change.
Satire can be found throughout recorded history and is not limited to theater; examples range from Voltaire's Candide, to episodes of popular TV shows such as "The Simpsons," to the "Ig Nobel Prizes," parody Nobel Prizes given for trivial achievements in history each year. The link between these pieces of art is their mockery of contemporary society with a focus on social awareness.
Satire was quite popular in the 18th century, especially in Britain, as part of the Age of Enlightenment. British satirists of this era include Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, Daniel Defoe, and William Hogarth. Much of this satire focused on wealth and social class as well as politics and political issues such as xenophobia.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The School for Scandal fits into this trend by satirizing the scandals, affairs, and greediness of Britain's upper class and suggesting political action that could preserve reputations from slanderous gossip. Sheridan's caricature-like characters, with names like Lady Sneerwell and Snake, create humor and irony that made the play immediately successful upon its first production in 1777.
