This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 102- Literature of the Neo-Classical period,Sem - 1, 2024.
Table of contents:-
- Introduction
- What is satire
- Type of satire
- Satire in 18th century
- 18th century Satirists
- Influence of satire
- Satire in bollywood
- Conclusion
personal Information:-
Name:- Krishna Vala
Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2024-2026)
Enrollment Number:- 5108240037
E-mail Address:-krishnavala2005@gmail.com
Roll Number:- 13
Assignment Details:-
Topic:- Satire Across Centuries: 18th-Century Wit Meets Bollywood
Paper & subject code:- 105 - History of English Literature - From 1350 to 1900.
Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar.
Date of Submission:- 20 November,2023
Satire Across Centuries: 18th-Century Wit Meets Bollywood
Abstract
Neo - Classical literature explore satire broadly. Three type of satire. Writers like Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Richardson etc. This trend of satire still continue not in English literature but also in Bollywood movie that Satirize social, economy, education, and politics. There are some best examples of satire. Movie like OMG, 3 idiots, Maharaj, Chhapaak, Nayak etc.
Introduction:
Satire has long been a powerful tool for critiquing society, politics, and human folly, tracing its roots to ancient literature and flourishing prominently during the 18th century. Known as the Age of Enlightenment or the Neoclassical Era, this period produced iconic satirists like Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, and Samuel Johnson, who wielded wit as a weapon to expose hypocrisy, corruption, and the absurdities of human behavior. Works like Gulliver's Travels and The Rape of the Lock demonstrated how satire could combine humor with pointed social commentary, resonating deeply with audiences of their time and beyond.
Interestingly, this tradition of satire has found a fresh and vibrant expression in Bollywood, India’s massive film industry. Just as 18th-century writers used satire to engage with the socio-political issues of their day, Bollywood has increasingly embraced satire to address modern Indian society's unique challenges, from bureaucracy and political corruption to social taboos and class divides. Films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Peepli Live highlight how satire serves as a bridge across centuries, bringing similar themes into new cultural contexts and reaching audiences through humor and irony.
This topic, therefore, explores how Bollywood inherits and adapts the spirit of 18th-century satirical tradition, transforming it to suit contemporary Indian audiences. By examining this cross-cultural, cross-temporal connection, we can see how satire remains a timeless means of holding a mirror to society—provoking thought and change across centuries and continents.
What is satire?
Satire is a genre of the visual, literary, and performing arts, usually in the form of fiction and less frequently non-fiction, in which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, often with the intent of exposing or shaming the perceived flaws of individuals, corporations, government, or society itself into improvement.[1] Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society.
A prominent feature of satire is strong irony or sarcasm—"in satire, irony is militant", according to literary critic Northrop Frye—[2] but parody, burlesque, exaggeration,[3] juxtaposition, comparison, analogy, and double entendre are all frequently used in satirical speech and writing. This "militant" irony or sarcasm often professes to approve of (or at least accept as natural) the very things the satirist wishes to question.
Satire is found in many artistic forms of expression, including internet memes, literature, plays, commentary, music, film and television shows, and media such as lyrics.
satire is both humorous and critical by its nature. The specificity and negativity of satire are what separates it from comedy, which tends to ridicule general types of people in ways that are ultimately redemptive.
Type of satire
Horatian
Horatian satire, named for the Roman satirist Horace (65–8 BCE), playfully criticizes some social vice through gentle, mild, and light-hearted humour. Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) wrote Satires to gently ridicule the dominant opinions and "philosophical beliefs of ancient Rome and Greece".Rather than writing in harsh or accusing tones, he addressed issues with humor and clever mockery. Horatian satire follows this same pattern of "gently [ridiculing] the absurdities and follies of human beings".
It directs wit, exaggeration, and self-deprecating humour toward what it identifies as folly, rather than evil. Horatian satire's sympathetic tone is common in modern society.A Horatian satirist's goal is to heal the situation with smiles, rather than by anger. Horatian satire is a gentle reminder to take life less seriously and evokes a wry smile.
Juvenalian satire
Juvenalian satire, named after the Roman writer Juvenal, is more aggressive and contemptuous than Horatian satire. Juvenal used exaggeration and parody to depict public figures and institutions as monstrous and incompetent, often attacking governmental bodies and officials, whom he viewed as not just misguided but evil. This form of satire addresses societal issues through scorn, irony, sarcasm, and moral outrage, focusing less on humor and more on provoking political or social change. It is characterized by a strong sense of indignation and is often pessimistic. Authors like Jonathan Swift have been influenced by Juvenalian satire in their critiques of society.
Manippean satire
Manippean satire is a literary form that blends humor, absurdity, and philosophical dialogue to critique human nature, social norms, and intellectual ideas. Named after the ancient Greek satirist Menippus, it often combines a variety of genres, including parody, dialogue, and narrative, creating a chaotic or fragmented structure. Its central focus is on exposing the contradictions and follies of life, with characters often exaggerated to represent specific vices or intellectual positions. This form of satire is not just about mocking individual behaviours but also addressing broader societal issues, blending absurd situations with deep philosophical discourse. It influenced later satirists like Rabelais and Swift, laying the groundwork for more complex and multifaceted forms of social critique.
Satire in 18th century
The eighteenth century is remarkable as a period in which the satiric spirit reigned supreme. The Names of all the important writers are associated with satire; in fact, their very greatness is due mainly to their greatness as satirists.
The three most important writers of the age were Pope, Swift, and Dr. Johnson.-Whereas Pope and Dr.Johnson gave the English language some of its best verse satires, the second named gave it its best prose satires. But apart from this redoubtable triumvirate, the names of a hundred other lesser satirists can be mentioned. In addition to the regular satires, the satiric spirit peeps through other modes of writing, too.The novel and the periodical -paper were the two important gifts of the eighteenth century to English Literature. These new genres, too, are exhibitive of the impact of the satiric spirit which was ubiquitous in the age. Some of the most delightful satire of the age is provided by the periodical papers of Steele, Addison, and their followers and the novels of Fielding, Smollett, and Stem. As a genre satire ruled the roost till roughly the third quarter of the century, when new tendencies appeared, to the detriment of the satiric spirit. The precursors of Romanticism found satire incompatible with their new sensibility. Satire naturally declined and since then up to the present day very few satires have appeared which can show the same brilliance as characterised eighteenth-century satires.
Reasons for Dominance:
The dominance of satire in the 18th century can be attributed to several key factors:
1. Social and Political Change:
The 18th century witnessed significant political, social, and cultural transformations, including the rise of the Enlightenment, the challenge to traditional authority, and the emergence of new ideas about individual rights and governance. Satire became a powerful tool for critiquing corruption, injustice, and the abuses of power, particularly in a period marked by political upheaval, such as in England with the rise of constitutional monarchy and in France with the lead-up to the Revolution.
2. Rise of the Public Sphere:
With the expansion of literacy and the growth of print media, newspapers, pamphlets, and novels became more accessible. These new media offered a platform for satirical works to reach a broader audience, allowing writers like Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, and Voltaire to use humour and irony to challenge societal norms and question prevailing ideologies.
3. Enlightenment Ideals:
The 18th century was the age of reason, where intellectuals sought to apply reason and scientific thinking to all areas of life, including politics, religion, and morality. Satire became a means of critiquing both the dogma of religious institutions and the hypocrisy of political leaders, often by exposing the irrationality and folly of their actions.
4. Growing Individualism:
As the 18th century saw the rise of individualism and the questioning of authority, satire became a way to assert personal freedom and critique societal constraints. Writers often used satire to mock established norms, whether in the form of court politics, social hierarchies, or religious dogma, allowing for a subversive exploration of social values.
Overall, the period’s intellectual climate, combined with expanding media and the need for social critique, created an environment where satire thrived as both an art form and a tool for social and political commentary.
18th century Satirists
The 18th century was rich in satirical works, and Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Richardson each contributed significant literary pieces that embodied the spirit of their time.
1. Alexander Pope – The Rape of the Lock (1712): Pope’s The Rape of the Lock is a mock-heroic poem that satirizes the frivolous and superficial nature of 18th-century aristocratic society, especially its obsession with fashion, vanity, and social status. Through the exaggerated story of a young woman, Belinda, whose lock of hair is cut off by a suitor, Pope critiques the trivial concerns of the upper class by elevating this seemingly insignificant incident to the level of an epic battle. The poem’s use of classical references and epic conventions highlights the absurdity of such pursuits, and its wit and humour expose the emptiness of aristocratic life.
2. Jonathan Swift – A Tale of a Tub (1704): Swift’s A Tale of a Tub is a satirical work that critiques religion, the flaws of human nature, and the intellectual trends of his time. Written in the form of an allegorical narrative, the story centres on three brothers, representing different branches of Christianity, each adopting their own form of religious belief and practice. Through absurd, chaotic, and often burlesque storytelling, Swift targets religious hypocrisy, corruption, and the dangers of blind faith, as well as the pretensions of contemporary scholars. The work’s complexity and satirical ferocity illustrate Swift’s broader concern with the degradation of moral and intellectual standards in society.
3. Samuel Richardson – Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded (1740): Richardson’s Pamela is not traditionally satirical in the same way as Pope or Swift’s works, but it can be viewed as a satirical commentary on class, virtue, and social mobility. The novel tells the story of Pamela, a young servant girl who resists the advances of her wealthy master, Mr. B. Eventually, he marries her, and her virtue is "rewarded." While the novel portrays Pamela’s virtue as a model to be upheld, it also satirizes the social norms of the time, particularly the sexual politics between the classes. Richardson critiques the power imbalances inherent in the class system, highlighting the tension between personal morality and the societal expectations of the era.
Each of these works uses satire to expose the contradictions and issues of 18th-century society, though in different ways. Pope’s poem mocks superficiality, Swift’s work attacks religious and intellectual pretensions, and Richardson’s novel critiques the power dynamics and social structures of the time. Together, they offer a comprehensive picture of the social, political, and moral concerns that shaped the 18th century.
Satire in bollywood
Bollywood has produced several films that use satire to comment on society, politics, education, and religion. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Society and Social Norms:
"Peepli Live" (2010): Directed by Anusha Rizvi, this satirical comedy critiques the Indian media and political system. The film tells the story of a poor farmer who, in a bid to receive compensation for his family's financial troubles, threatens to commit suicide, sparking a media frenzy. It highlights how media sensationalism and politicians exploit societal issues for their benefit, ridiculing the apathy and insincerity of both.
2. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Chhapaak is a poignant yet subtle critique of the societal neglect and lack of support for acid attack survivors in India. While the film is more serious in tone, it also satirizes the societal apathy towards the struggles women face, particularly in the context of justice and empathy. The protagonist, Malti (played by Deepika Padukone), fights both her own trauma and a society that fails to acknowledge her humanity fully. Through Malti’s determination, the film satirizes the failure of institutions to support women in distress, highlighting the challenges women endure in a male-dominated society .
2. Politics:
1.Nayak: The Real Hero (2001) is a political satire that critiques the corruption and inefficiency of the political system in India. The film follows Shivajirao (Anil Kapoor), a TV journalist who is given the opportunity to serve as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for just one day. During this time, he challenges the existing political structure by making bold decisions and confronting the hypocrisy and corruption of politicians. Through humor and drama, Nayak exposes the disconnect between politicians and the public, satirizing media manipulation and the failure of governance.
2."Lage Raho Munna Bhai" (2006): Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this film is a satirical take on the political and social systems in India. Through the character of Munna Bhai, a local gangster who believes he is in communication with Mahatma Gandhi's spirit, the film humorously addresses issues like corruption, bureaucracy, and the failure of the political system to uphold Gandhian values in modern India.
3. Education:
1.“3 Idiots” (2009): Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, 3 Idiots is a satire on the rigid and competitive education system in India. The film critiques the overemphasis on rote learning, parental pressure, and the quest for high marks over creativity and passion. It uses humor and wit to highlight the flaws of the education system and the mental health issues caused by the unrealistic academic pressures placed on students.
2.Chhichhore” (2019): Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Chhichhore humorously satirizes the obsession with academic success in Indian society. The film explores how society views failure and the extreme measures students and parents take to avoid it. Through a group of friends reminiscing about their college days, it emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey of life and not just focusing on the end result.
4. Religion:
1.“Oh My God” (2012): Directed by Umesh Shukla, this film is a satire on organized religion. The protagonist, a shopkeeper, sues God after his shop is destroyed by an earthquake and the insurance company refuses to pay because it considers the damage an "act of God." The film humorously critiques religious institutions and their commercialization, questioning the role of religion in addressing real-world problems while promoting faith-based blind obedience.
2.“Maharaj” (2024) is a Bollywood film that combines historical drama with a powerful critique of religious practices and social issues in colonial India. The film tells the true story of Karsandas Mulji, a social reformer and journalist, who fights against the corrupt and exploitative practices of a religious leader, Maharaj, who manipulates his followers through harmful rituals. This period drama addresses themes of women's rights, the abuse of power under religious pretences, and the quest for social justice, all set against the backdrop of the British colonial rule. It critiques the blind faith often imposed by charismatic religious figures, spotlighting how people like Maharaj exploit their followers for personal gain.
These films use satire to highlight societal flaws, political corruption, the pressure of education systems, and religious hypocrisies, engaging audiences while prompting reflection on the state of contemporary Indian society.
Conclusion
Bollywood's trend of using satire has its roots in the long tradition of satirical works, particularly from the 18th century, where writers used humour, irony, and exaggeration to critique societal norms, political structures, and human folly. Just as 18th-century satirists highlighted the contradictions and injustices in society, Bollywood filmmakers similarly employ satire to reflect the complexities and absurdities of modern life, addressing issues like politics, religion, gender roles, and education.
Much like Jonathan Swift’s biting social critiques or Alexander Pope's mock-heroic poems, Bollywood satirists use humor to highlight the hypocrisies and shortcomings of various systems. The use of satire allows filmmakers to question power, expose societal flaws, and challenge conventional beliefs in a manner that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through character-driven narratives and exaggerated situations, the satire often becomes a tool to bring attention to serious societal issues, encouraging reflection while keeping the audience entertained.
Overall, Bollywood continues the tradition of 18th-century satire by blending humor with sharp social critique, using irony and parody to question and critique prevailing norms. This approach not only serves as entertainment but also as a subtle yet effective way to provoke change and encourage audiences to reconsider accepted truths in society.
References
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Malhotra, Sidhdharth P., director. Maharaj. YRF
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‘Science’and the Structure of Gulliver’s Travels.”
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Tiwari, Nitesh, director. Chhichore. Fox Star
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