How to Write and Teach Satire: Historical Satire Lessons
Writing the Satire
Historys satire is old gold – mine it. Target a king: “He taxed air – breathings royal now.” Hit past flops – war, greed: “Peace treaty – signed in blood.” Keep it alive – link today. Swifts “Gulliver” mocks then and now. Start old: “Plagues cure – dance til dead.” Practice dusts off past for fresh jabs.
Teaching the Technique
Teach history satire with a time-twist. Give “war lost” – twist: “King lost battle – won at hide!” Show Swift clips – old, sharp. Steps: event, flaw, jab. Assign “tax old” – spark: “King taxed socks – feet rebelled!” Discuss link: now wins. Warn off dry – live rules. History-off: pitch a past jab, best tie wins. Historys a vault – teach them to crack it.
