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Motifs
Definition of Satire
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of satire, but satirists can take... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians... read full definition
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Mr. Woodhouse:
Among the characters that Austen uses to satirize aspects of British society in the in the early 19th century is Mr. Woodhouse, Emma’s father. Though he is allowed moments of earnest feelings, he is primarily used to satirize eccentric and controlling British patriarchs.
A strong example of this happens near the beginning of the novel, when Emma’s governess Mrs. Weston gets married (requiring her to have a wedding and also to move out) and Mr. Woodhouse is upset about it:
[A] few weeks brought some alleviation to Mr. Woodhouse. The compliments of his neighbours were over; he was no longer teased by being wished joy of so sorrowful an event; and the wedding-cake, which had been a great distress to him, was all eat up. His own stomach could bear nothing rich, and he would never believe other people to be different from himself.
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Chapter 32
Explanation and Analysis—Mrs. Elton:
Though Austen satirizes different aspects of most characters included in the novel (such as Emma’s constant misperceptions about people’s romantic intentions and resulting poor matchmaking abilities), there are other characters like Mrs. Elton whose entire existence in the novel is meant to satirize something. In Mrs. Elton’s case, she is meant to satirize prideful wealthy urbanites who consider themselves more “cultured” than those who live in rural communities like Highbury.
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