Episode 140: Parody, Farce and Exaggeration - Satire in Speculative Fiction

 

Comedy and humour have the power to change minds and allegiences where reason and facts sometimes fail. From slapstick to the heights of wit, everyone is able to engage with some form of humour. But what about when humour is shaped to deliberately highlight those things it mocks as being worthy of ridcule? What about when it's designed to puncture overinflated power bases and egos, or undesirable character traits? This week Madeleine and Jules look at satire and how it's used in speculative fiction, both as comedic device and as social commentary. On the slab this week - Terry Pratchett's Discworld Series, Blackadder, Red Dwarf and manu more.

 

Title Music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic