What Is an Example of Literary Satire?

Satire is a form of literature where the author pokes fun at human vices, weaknesses, and character flaws. The primary goal is shaming the target of satire into reform, with the amusement of the reader being secondary, even unnecessary.

There are two broad categories of satire named for the Roman poets Horace and Juvenal. Horatian satire is essentially good natured and relies more on jokes and humor to make the audience laugh while still highlighting social ills. Examples of Horatian satire include Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, or the television show The Simpsons. Juvenalian satire is focuses more on eliciting outrage and scorn toward its targets. Examples of Juvenalian satire include George Orwell’s 1984 or Ray Bradbury’s Farenheight 451.