The Happy Prince
by Oscar Wilde

The Happy Prince: Satire 1 key example

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
Satire
Explanation and Analysis—Political Absurdity:

The presentation of the Mayor and the Town Councillors in “The Happy Prince” satirizes the absurdity of the politics of the late 19th century, the period in which the story was written. Through the use of humor and irony, Wilde emphasizes the ridiculousness of these characters’ behavior.