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Personification
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
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Exaggerated Love:
Adriana lists Antipholus of Ephesus’s past hyperboles regarding his love for her, made during their courtship, in a scene that satirizes the conventions of romantic poetry. She recites:
The time was once when thou unurged wouldst vow
That never words were music to thine ear,
That never object pleasing in thine eye,
That never touch well welcome to thy hand,
That never meat sweet-savored in thy taste,
Unless I spake, or looked, or touched, or carved to
thee.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Luce as a Globe:
Dromio and Antipholus of Syracuse allude to contemporary historical events of Shakespeare’s time in a scene in which they make a number of unflattering jokes at the expense of the kitchen maid, Luce. In doing so, they likewise satirize other European nations, such as France and Spain. Dromio compares Luce's round body to the globe itself, and Antipholus jokingly asks where various parts of the world are located on her.
Unlock with LitCharts A+ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where France?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
In her forehead, armed and
reverted, making war against her heir.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where America, the Indies?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
O, sir, upon her nose, all o’erembellished
with rubies, carbuncles, sapphires,
declining their rich aspect to the hot breath of
Spain, who sent whole armadas of carracks to be
ballast at her nose.
Act 4, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Pinch the Conjurer:
Through the character of Pinch, Shakespeare satirizes the various supposed conjurers, alchemists, and other “magical” hustlers who were common features in the cities of early modern Europe. At one point in Act 4, Scene 4, Pinch says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I charge thee, Satan, housed within this man,
To yield possession to my holy prayers,
And to thy state of darkness hie thee straight.
I conjure thee by all the saints in heaven.
Act 5, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Pinch the Conjurer:
Through the character of Pinch, Shakespeare satirizes the various supposed conjurers, alchemists, and other “magical” hustlers who were common features in the cities of early modern Europe. At one point in Act 4, Scene 4, Pinch says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I charge thee, Satan, housed within this man,
To yield possession to my holy prayers,
And to thy state of darkness hie thee straight.
I conjure thee by all the saints in heaven.
