Sarcasm
Sarcasm
Definition of Sarcasm
Sarcasm is derived from French word sarcasmor and also from a Greek word sarkazein that means “tear flesh” or “grind the teeth”. Somehow, in simple words it means to speak bitterly. Generally, the literal meaning is different than what the speaker intends to say through sarcasm. Sarcasm is a literary and rhetorical device that is meant to mock with often satirical or ironic remarks with a purpose to amuse and hurt someone or some section of society simultaneously. For instance:
“I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” (Mark Twain)
Types of Sarcasm
Sarcasm often depends upon the voice tone. There are seven types:
Self-Deprecating Sarcasm – This category of sarcasm expresses an overstated sense of inferiority and worthlessness.
Brooding Sarcasm – In this criticism, the speaker utters something polite. However, the tone of his speech has a marked bitterness in it.
Deadpan Sarcasm – It is expressed without emotion or laughter making it difficult for the listener to judge whether the speaker is joking or mocking.
Polite Sarcasm – A speaker is said to have delivered a polite sarcasm when his listeners only get to realize that his kind remark was a sarcastic one after they had given it some thought.
Obnoxious Sarcasm – This kind of sarcasm makes people feel like punching the speaker in the face. It is not very funny and it gets under your skin.
Manic Sarcasm – This type of sarcasm is delivered in an unnatural happy mood that it makes the speaker look like he has gone crazy.
Raging Sarcasm – This kind of sarcasm relies mainly on exaggeration and violent threats.
Examples of Sarcasm in Literature
There are so many examples of sarcasm in literature, just have a look at some of these:
Example #1
“Friends, countrymen, lend me your ears.”
(Julius Caesar by Shakespeare)
Mark Antony repeatedly uses the phrase “honorable man” In this speech several times, talking of Brutus’ actions (who has murdered Caesar)
Definition of Sarcasm
Sarcasm is derived from French word sarcasmor and also from a Greek word sarkazein that means “tear flesh” or “grind the teeth”. Somehow, in simple words it means to speak bitterly. Generally, the literal meaning is different than what the speaker intends to say through sarcasm. Sarcasm is a literary and rhetorical device that is meant to mock with often satirical or ironic remarks with a purpose to amuse and hurt someone or some section of society simultaneously. For instance:
“I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” (Mark Twain)
Types of Sarcasm
Sarcasm often depends upon the voice tone. There are seven types:
Self-Deprecating Sarcasm – This category of sarcasm expresses an overstated sense of inferiority and worthlessness.
Brooding Sarcasm – In this criticism, the speaker utters something polite. However, the tone of his speech has a marked bitterness in it.
Deadpan Sarcasm – It is expressed without emotion or laughter making it difficult for the listener to judge whether the speaker is joking or mocking.
Polite Sarcasm – A speaker is said to have delivered a polite sarcasm when his listeners only get to realize that his kind remark was a sarcastic one after they had given it some thought.
Obnoxious Sarcasm – This kind of sarcasm makes people feel like punching the speaker in the face. It is not very funny and it gets under your skin.
Manic Sarcasm – This type of sarcasm is delivered in an unnatural happy mood that it makes the speaker look like he has gone crazy.
Raging Sarcasm – This kind of sarcasm relies mainly on exaggeration and violent threats.
Examples of Sarcasm in Literature
There are so many examples of sarcasm in literature, just have a look at some of these:
Example #1
“Friends, countrymen, lend me your ears.”
(Julius Caesar by Shakespeare)
Mark Antony repeatedly uses the phrase “honorable man” In this speech several times, talking of Brutus’ actions (who has murdered Caesar)