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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
Key Examples in War and Peace
Volume 1, Part 3: Chapters 1–5
Explanation and Analysis—Russian High Society:
In a highly satirical passage, Pierre finds that he has become much more socially desirable after inheriting the substantial fortune of his deceased father, Duke Bezukhov.
All these various persons—business connections, relations, acquaintances—were equally well and benignly disposed towards the young heir; they were all obviously and indubitably convinced of Pierre’s high merits. He so constantly heard the words: “With your extraordinary kindness,” or “With your excellent heart,” or “You yourself, Count, are so pure …,” or “If he were as intelligent as you are,” and so on [...] Even people who had formerly been wicked and obviously hostile became affectionate and loving with him.
Related Themes:
Volume 3, Part 2: Chapters 6–12
Explanation and Analysis—St. Petersburg at War :
At various points in the novel, Tolstoy satirizes the high society clubs and soirees of St. Petersburg, a comparatively modern and fashionable city that, Tolstoy suggests, largely follows trends imported from Europe, particularly France. As Napoleon's invasion of Russia kicks into high gear, Tolstoy offers a satirical portrait of the "salon circles" of St. Petersburg:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Recently, after the sovereign’s arrival from the army, some sort of flurry had gone on in these opposing salon circles, and there had been some sort of demonstrations against each other, but the tendencies of the circles remained the same. [...] Prince Vassily, who occupied all the same important posts, was the connecting link between the two circles. He visited ma bonne amie Anna Pavlovna, and he visited dans le salon diplomatique de ma fille, and often, in his ceaseless moves from one camp to the other, became confused and said at Anna Pavlovna’s what ought to have been said at Hélène’s [...]
Related Themes:
