Satire as a Tool for Social Commentary in Terry Pratchett’s Equal Rites

Abstract

Satire is a literary device for the artful ridicule of folly or vice as a means of exposing or correcting it. Satire utilizes tones of amusement, contempt, scorn, or indignation towards a flawed subject with the hope of creating awareness and subsequent change. It helps us confront the unpleasant reality and see the world as it is, so that we can improve it. Through Terry Pratchett’s novel “Equal Rites”, the study seeks to answer the question of whether the satire reflects flaws and follies which encompassed in human nature. Terry Pratchett is a keen observer of social and political happenings around him. He satirizes different cultural, social, political and literary patterns. Thus, this study focuses on examining the mission of a satirist which is to draw the attention to the follies, failings, and vices of individuals, as well as the whole society. Horatian satire targets the vices and shortcomings with a mild and gentle humour. As opposed to the Juvenalian satirists whose aim is to create an atmosphere of anger, the Horatian satirists expose the follies to laughter. The third type is Menippean satire which attacks mental attitudes. Terry Pratchett is a typical Horatian satirist.