2. Purpose of Satire

Generally, when a poet writes a poem, the mind of the poet is revealed through that poem. But satire arises with specific purpose. All writers, who have made use of satire, have clearly expressed the purpose. A good satire is always curative, its purpose is not only to reproach. Hence, good satire may be withering, it may be dark anger, it may be painfully bitter, but it cannot be great satire without having at its core a moral idealism expressing itself in righteous indignation.^[1] It is the opinion of the scholars that the main purpose of all satirist is to moralize. In the words of D.H.Lawrence, ‘the essential function of all art is moral. Not aesthetic, not decorative, not pastime and recreation. But moral.’^[2] According to Samuel Butler, ‘satire should be moral’.^[3] G.K.Chesterson agreed that the purpose of satire is to make the victim improve his behaviour.^[4] In the words of James Sutherland, ‘satire is the outcome of honest indignation at vice or folly, and of a desire to promote the public good’.^[5] According to Dryden, ‘the true end of satire is the amendment of vices by correction’.^[6] Satire should not be like a saw, but a sword, it should cut but not mangle.^[7] Intention, therefore is the distinctive feature of a satire by which one can make it different from pure description.^[8] He, who writes satire honestly is no more an enemy to the offender than the physician to the patient, when he prescribes harsh remedies to an inveterate disease.^[9]

Thus, moral idealism is a pre-requisite for a satirical work. If satire is used in a proper way, then it may become a very effective weapon of reforming the people.