What is satiric poetry?

Satiric poetry uses humor, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to expose and criticize folly, vice, or societal injustices. Its goal isn't simply to make the reader laugh, but to provoke thought and perhaps even inspire change by highlighting the absurdity or wrongness of its target.

Key characteristics of satiric poetry include:

* Wit and Humor: Clever wordplay, unexpected twists, and funny imagery are used to engage the reader and make the critique palatable.

* Irony: Often employs sarcasm, understatement, and juxtaposition to create a contrast between appearance and reality, exposing hypocrisy or flaws.

* Exaggeration (Hyperbole): Overstatement is used to emphasize the ridiculousness or severity of the issue being satirized.

* Ridicule: The target of the satire is made to appear foolish or contemptible through mockery and scorn.

* Moral Purpose: Underlying the humor is a serious message about ethical or social issues. While entertaining, the poem aims to make a point and encourage reflection.

Satiric poetry can take many forms, from lighthearted epigrams to biting, intensely critical works. The tone can range from playful and gentle to scathing and aggressive, depending on the poet's intent and the nature of the target.