
The satire genre is a popular method of literature that many authors use to illustrate points regarding social prejudices. Two authors that identify with this genre are Johnathan Swift and Wendy Molyneux. Both Swift and Molyneux identify evidently with the satire genre and utilize many methods used in this genre to convey the points they are trying to make. Through writing in a satire format, both authors are able to put a comedic spin on popular social stereotypes. This can show the fallacies that lie within these popular views and persuade the reader to see how many prejudices and stereotypes are false in nature.

In Jonathan Swift’s satire A Modest Proposal the reader can see rather quickly that it abides by the regular guidelines of a satire. Swift’s use of sarcasm and humor is very characteristic of the satire genre. For example, when he suggests eating small children in attempts to solve the world’s issue of overpopulation, he is being sarcastic (Carolina Reader 514). This is common throughout the satire type of genre as extreme examples regarding a certain group of people or activity can show how seemingly dumb they or it actually is (Wolfe). Swift criticizes many groups of people throughout the text such as the government and wealthier individuals in society. He claims that these groups- the wealthy and those in government- realize there is a problem but do nothing to fix it (516). When speaking in regards to the wealthy and government, Swift hides behind his words and becomes rather passive aggressive. An example of this is when he says “After all, I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion, as to reject any offer, proposed by wise men, which shall be found innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual” (520). Swift seemingly targets these words at those groups - the wealthy and those in government – specifically, referring to them as too stubborn or narrow minded to take advice from members of a lower class (520).  He rants in this section about how the upper class knows of the problem of overpopulation and poverty, yet does nothing to solve it (520). Swift’s passive aggressive nature and criticism of the government is one characteristic of the satire genre. His ludicrous idea of eating young children ties in perfectly to this genre also, as it serves as an extreme example in order to get a specific point across. The point Swift is trying to make by this example is that even though his idea is blatantly insane; he is at least attempting to fix the problem of poverty and overpopulation. This is more than the government can say, as they did nothing in attempts to fix the poverty and overpopulation issue in society. Swift adds the ludicrous example in hopes that it will draw attention to the problems at hand and show how little the government has truly done.

 According to published author Paul Beatty, extreme examples of stereotypical behaviors are crucial when composing a satire (Wolfe). This makes those individuals who hold opinions similar to that feel incompetent and feel as if they should change their opinion. Also, Beatty addresses that through the use of satire one can explain how certain ideals are wrong, without seeming like a preacher (Wolfe). This is crucial as the audience or reader will simply stop reading if the book seems too dull (Wolfe). If the audience stops reading, then it would negate the purpose as to why an author writes a satire; to make a difference and put an end to typical stereotypes (Wolfe). In Molyneux’s work I Am Sorry I Didn’t Write a Comedy Piece, the elements of a satire are immediately made prevalent. An example of this is in the very first paragraph when she mockingly says “So I put down my giant chocolate bar, stopped crying, and thought, yes, that is what I’ll do” (The Carolina Reader 521). This immediately addresses the point she is trying to make regarding gender stereotypes. In contrasting Swift and Molyneux’s works there are notable differences in the language they use. Due to the time periods in which they were written, Molyneux’s work is much easier to understand due to her use of modern English. However, both works still adhere to the satire genre with their extreme examples of mockery. Swift targets his mockery mostly at the government and the wealthy for not solving the issues of overpopulation and poverty. Molyneux however focuses on correcting misconceptions regarding gender roles. 

Molyneux’s mockery of man’s conceptions of gender stereotypes is very consistent with the satire type of literature. Her description is both sarcastic and passive aggressive. This is made evident in the fifth paragraph when she states “So I went back to the window opened my pink computer again and looked at pictures of cute baby ducks for a while until I felt like writing” (522). In order to spice up his writing, Swift uses examples of apophasis. An example of this is when he states “I can think of no one objection, that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it should be urged, that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom” (519). Instead of apophasis, Molyneux expresses forms of caricature. She uses examples of caricature when exaggerating men’s ignorance and when addressing stereotypes regarding women. One of many possible examples of this is when she expresses “But I guess my humor deficiency is one of those womanly crosses I have to bear, along with P.M.S., making seventy cents on the dollar, and paying for my own rape kit” (522). This use of caricature is typical of the satire genre, as it emphasizes the stupidity of the targeted group, which in this case is men. Although both authors express their ideas in slightly different ways, their writings still both fall under the satire genre. The sarcastic language and examples they use are a prefect representation of this type of literature, as it raises awareness about an issue without seeming dull or boring. This is the purpose of satirical literature as the author does want to come across as a lecturer when addressing a serious issue (Wolfe).

Throughout both pieces of literature there are multiple examples of satirical components, including extreme examples of common stereotypes and the use of sarcastic language. Through the use of satirical language both authors were able to convey their problems very clearly without boring the audience. Although Swift and Molyneux took slightly different approaches in presenting their issues at hand, they both are still heavily rooted in the satire genre. This genre allows the author to express major issues without appearing as a preacher, which is crucial for inspiring change.
