Introduction

Satire is a literary and artistic genre that exposes and critiques societal concerns and human behavior through humor, irony, and exaggeration. It is an effective weapon for social critique and reform because it makes societal flaws and inequalities visible in a lighthearted and approachable manner. Satire can appear in various media, including plays, novels, political cartoons, and stand-up comedy. It has been used historically to question the status quo and challenge power. Satire is an essential form of communication that may provoke thought­ provoking discussions and motivate change, whether by making fun of politicians or mocking social conventions.

One of the most famous satires is Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," which makes the absurd suggestion that the impoverished in Ireland sell their children to the rich as food, is one of the most well-known examples of satire (Kinealy, 2022). This ridiculous suggestion ridicules the government's disregard for the underprivileged. The satirical essay "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift mocks the political and social problems in 18th-century Ireland by using exaggeration, sarcasm, and comedy. The 1729 essay suggests that the poor in Ireland should sell their children to the wealthy as food to solve the country’s overpopulation and poverty (Murodova, 2023). Swift supports his claim in the essay with logical reasoning and statistical evidence. It is written as a serious proposition.

He contends that the needy could make a living and lessen their financial hardships by selling their children as food. Additionally, he argues that doing so would result in fewer children being born to low-income families, which would curb population growth. The essay's real purpose, however, is to draw attention to the ridiculousness of the government's actions and the suffering of the Irish people. The government's inability to handle Ireland's  problems  with poverty and overcrowding and the callousness of the wealthy towards the misery of the poor are both reflected in this article. Swift's satire is often used to state how the British government treats the Irish (Kinealy, 2022). The suggestion to use Irish children as food can be interpreted as a metaphor for how the British have exploited and dehumanized the Irish.

Another most important satirical works in literature is "A Modest Proposal." It is still relevant now and offers a potent commentary on the social challenges of the day. The sarcasm and hyperbole used by Swift to make a point serve as a reminder of the value of free speech and the ability of words to alter social mores. Satire can also be found in various mediums, including comic books, television, and film. The television program "The Simpsons" is a famous example of satire since it makes observations about politics, religion, and consumerism through the lives of an average American family. Similarly, "The Boondocks," a comic strip, utilizes satire to discuss racial, social, and political concerns.

Satire can also be heard in music, such as "Weird Al" Yankovic's songs, parody well­ known tunes and make social commentary. It helps people express their differing viewpoints and make a statement about the problems they care about, making it a potent instrument for change. However, it must be utilized carefully because it can reinforce negative perceptions and support prejudice (Becker, 2020). In conclusion, satire is a literary and rhetorical technique that criticizes or makes fun of societal situations, people, or institutions using exaggeration, irony, and humor. It can be found in different mediums and has significantly influenced public opinion throughout history. To prevent damaging preconceptions and discrimination, it must be utilized carefully.