Satire is a genre of literature in which 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 are their mockery of contemporary society with a focus on social awareness.
Satire was quite popular in Victorian England, the time period in which Oscar Wilde lived and wrote. Besides Wilde, authors including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain (in the United States), and opera playwights Gilbert and Sullivan favored the style. Wilde's works are considered satirical for their bitingly witty attacks on the people and customs of cultured Victorian society.
Wilde's satirical prowess can be seen in Lady Windermere's Fan through the play's focus on gossip, social status, gender politics, morality, and secrecy. The play had a positive popular reception but critics had a strongly negative reaction, likely due to the play's thinly veiled attacks on the upper class. Nonetheless, Wilde is now considered one of the great authors and satirists of his day.
