UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA

FACULTY OF ARTS

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES

AN ASSIGNMENT PREPARED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE COURSE,

MODERN COMEDY; MOLIERE TO SOYINKA (ELS 240)

TOPIC: ELEMENTS OF SATIRICAL COMEDY IN WOLE SOYINKA’S THE TRIAL OF

BROTHER JERO, MOLIÈRE’S TARTUFFE AND OSCAR WILDE’S IMPORTANCE OF

BEING EARNEST

BY

OMEIKE, CHINWEIKE BRENDAN

REG NUMBER;

2022/247251

LECTURER;

DR. KENNETH AHAIWE

TITLE

ELEMENTS OF SATIRICAL COMEDY IN WOLE SOYINKA’S THE TRIAL OF

BROTHER JERO, MOLIÈRE’S TARTUFFE AND OSCAR WILDE’S IMPORTANCE OF

BEING EARNEST .
 For a background to be laid I will first state the definition of comedy according to

Abrams in A-glossary-of-literary-terms. Abrams says that it is “a fictional work in which the

materials are selected and managed primarily in order to interest and amuse us: the characters

and their discomfitures engage our pleasurable attention rather than our profound concern, we

are made to feel confident that no great disaster will occur, and usually the action turns out

happily for the chief characters”. Satire is one aspect of comedy. The word satire traces back to

the Latin word “satur,” meaning “well-fed,” and was used in the phrase “lanx satura,” meaning

“a dish full of many kinds of fruit.” Though these words seem far removed from the definition of

satire, they were used by ancient Roman critics and writers to refer to what we know as satire

today, including what is commonly considered the literary origin of satire: Aristophanes’ Old

Comedy. The word “satire” made its way into the English language in the sixteenth century. It is

a chiefly literary and dramatic in which human or individual vices, follies, abuses or

shortcomings are held up to censure by means of ridicule, derision, burlesque, irony, parody,

caricature or other methods most time with an intent to inspire social reforms. It is the use of

humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices.

Similarly, Abrams and Harphen, defined Satire as the literary art of diminishing and derogating a

subject by making it ridiculous and evoking towards it, attitude of amusement, contempt, scorn

and indignation. English lexicographer Samuel Johnson define Satire as “a poem in which

wickedness of folly is censure. While satire can be funny, humor is not the essential component.

The main purpose of satire (in a literary sense) is to offer a constructive social criticism or to

shame society into improving. Using wit, irony and sometimes sarcasm to put a spotlight on

issues the author feels need to be looked at; normally social, political or religion topics. Public
figures, such as Politicians are often the subject of satire but Satirists can take aim at other targets

are well from societal conventions to government policies. Satire is an entertaining form of

social commentary and it occurs in many form: there are satirical novels poems, essays as well

film, shows and cartoons. Satire has usually been justified by those who practice it as a

corrective of human vice and folly; Alexander Pope, for example, remarks that “those who are

shamed of nothing else are so of being ridiculous” Its frequent claim has been to ridicule the

failing rather than the individual, and to limit its ridicule to corrigible faults, excluding those for

which a person is not responsible. This points to the reason why satire makes use of fictional as

well as made up characters who reflect the actions the Satirist aim at correcting. Animals could

also be used to render this form of art. For instance in the popular fable of George Orwell Animal

Farm. Orwell criticizes the Russia Revolution. As earlier stated the main goal of satire is to

criticize in order to promote change. Satire then employs various elements such as irony,

sarcasm, ridicule, Hyperbole, reversal, parody, humour amongst others to carry out its task. This

essay is structured to critically explain this elements of satire using Wole Soyinka’s The Trial of

Brother Jero, Moliere’s Tartuffe and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of being Earnest
 Firstly, one of the elements which satire employs is irony. Aristotle, describes irony as a

dissembling toward the inner core of truth. Abrams in a-glossary-of-literary-terms says that “in

most of the modern critical use of the term irony there remains the root sense of dissembling or

hiding what is actually the case; not, however, in order to deceive but to achieve special or

artistic effects” Irony is a literary and linguistic device that highlights a difference between how

something is perceived and how it actually is. It's often used to express something other than, or

even the opposite of the literal meaning. Irony is a situation where there is constructs between

reality and expectation. A Satirist employees irony to indirectly comment on ills and

misappropriations found in individuals as well as the society. In addition to Verbal Irony, a

Satirist also employ Situational Irony and Dramatic Irony where the reader or audience see the

opposite of what is expected from the characters. Wole Soyink’s The Trials of Brother Jero

which satirizes the commodification of religion as well as Religious hypocrisy and human

gullibility. Chume a supposed follower of God longs for the permission to beat his wife. The

false prophet, Jero advises him against this not because he wants peace in Chume’s house but

rather he wants to keep him always dissatisfied and restless so that he keeps coming back to him

out of weariness and discomfort. It is also ironical that the period of abstinence for Chume were

those time he was starved from beating his wife by the prophet. Also, this acclaimed prophet

whom Chume goes to for counsel and prayers finding a reason which favors him and orders

Chume to beat his wife. The prophets watches on from a distance as Chume make this attempt at

his wife. Similarly, Molière employs the use of irony in Tartuffe. Tartuffe a supposed “holy man”
as his host thinks he is, is seen making sexual advances to his host’s wife Elmire.. Mme

Pernelle, who is supposed to be the religious one plays the opposite character of religiosity. She

curses and swears and even box her maid Flippote. She chides all and proclaims Tartuffe. This

character is replicated in her son Orgon as he says that he cherish the bogus holy man Tartuffe

more than his mother, son, daughter or wife. The character displays the opposite of what they

stand for. Again, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of being Earnest also uses Irony. It is Ironical

that though Jack doesn’t know what his real name was he identifies himself as both Ernest and

Jack critiquing the notion of double appearance. The both friend Jack and Algernon are

Bunburist, and Algernon says he has suspected thus all along, which implies that some of the

double characters know themselves. It is ironical that Jack finally agrees to what Algernon

previously says about openness in marriage when he says “the truth isn’t quite the sort of thing

one tells to a nice sweet refined girl like Gwendolen”. Gwendolen doesn't want to be perfect but

want to also develop in many directions. Other cases of Irony in the plays are highlighted in the

actions of Amope who though doesn’t seem to respect religion says she forgive Chume accepted

in heaven even when Chume says she had no soul. Also Adults such as Orgon and Mme Pernelle

who are meant to be guides to the younger ones like Damis, Clentè, Dorine and Mariane are now

being guided from falling for Tartuffe’s pretense. This is the opposite of what should be seen in

a “normal” society.
 Secondly, another element of satire is sarcasm. Sarcasm is the use of irony in order to

mock or convey contempt toward a person or subject. When used within literature, sarcasm is

able to invoke humor, demonstrate cynicism, or add variety to a text. Authors have incorporated

sarcasm for centuries, with Shakespeare paving the way for authors such as Oscar Wilde and

Mark Twain. Ultimately, through the use of sarcasm, authors have been able to develop some of

the literary world’s most memorable characters. An author may use sarcasm in literature to add

humor or cynicism. In Wole Soyinka’s Trial or Brother Jero we see sarcasm being used by Jero

to refer to religious activities as a job which doesn't pay well. It is also sarcastic that Jero refers

to his calling as a trade which he has grown to love (Sc. 1 P.9). Jero also mimicking the attire of

religious mean says also that his velvet cape will represent his godliness and holiness. Jero calls

his worshipers his customers and says that he get the feeling that he is a shopkeeper waiting for

customers. Sarcasm is similarly used in Molière’s Tartuffe here Orgons’ son says that Monsuire

Tartuffe is a blessed soul even though he doesn’t mean what he says. On Orgons return from his

travel he really care about his family but only seeks to know about Tartuffe and makes a

Sarcastic comment of Tartuffe being a “poor man”. Dorine says she will let Mariane know how

“glad” Orgaon is at her recovery. It is Sarcastic that Orgon, the host couldn’t explain who

Tartuffe is and when he is asked he says “he is a man that... ah a man a man in short a man”.

Sarcasm is also used in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of being Earnest, Algernon and his
servant Lean discusses the issue of marriage using wine. Lane says that a bachelor has a superior

quality of the wine why married houses has champagnes which are rarely of a first rate brand.

Algernon also says that marriage will be a very tedious one for Jack if he doesn't know Bunbury

that is how to change appearance. He also says that if Jack neglects bunbury, then his wife will

take it up as three is a company and two is none. This conversation and actions are sarcastic and

aims at bringing to light the ill actions of Man.

Furthermore, ridicule is another Satirical element. Ridicule is a powerful tool for Satire

on social commentary and critique, it is a literary device used to mock, tease, or humiliate

individuals, groups, or ideas, often to expose their flaws, follies, or absurdities. It involves using

language, tone, or situation to evoke laughter, scorn, or contempt. Ridicule is used in Wole

Soyinka’s The Trial of Brother Jero, when Amope tells the woman Bystander that Jero cannot

heal or do anything because he's only a debtor who dodge is creditor. This statement from

Amope, calls out false prophet who can work out any form of deliverance or healing but goes

about doing the opposite of what the preach. Soyinka uses this comment of Amope to achieve

this ridicule. The member of the federal house who has his eye on a post comes to Jero to

rehearse his speech but never delivers it because he is scared. By this scene Soyinka ridicules the

Politicians who only makes promises but do not fulfill them due to one reason or the other.

Similarly, Molière in Tartuffe, ridicules religious extremists making use of the Character Orgon.

He is ready to give out his daughter as well as will is properties to Tartuffe. Tartuffe, ridicules

false prophets healing by claiming that his prayers healed Elmire and he would have died for her

to live even when he did nothing. In Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of being Earnest the play

ridicules the double appearance of the Victorian manners of that society. Jack comments that
when one is in town one amuses oneself but when one is in the country one amuses other people,

hence the double character. Lady Bracknell ridicules the French society when she says that she

doesn't want French songs played at her program because people always seem to think that they

are improper and either look shocked, which is vulgar, or laugh, which is worse. Cecily and

Gwendolen obsession with a “name” serve to ridicule the obsession with appearance of outside

qualities while neglecting that of the inner. Lady Bracknell tends to ridicule people who live in

the country when she says that a girl with a simple, unspoiled nature like Gwendolen, could

hardly be expected to reside in the country. She ridicules those who live in the country as leading

a fake life and being mysterious. Oscar, ridicules the ceremonial proposals before marriage with

the action of Jack and Gwendolen. Couples who know that the other would agree, hence why the

ceremony. Lady Bracknell says proposals should be a surprise either pleasant or unpleasant. This

words of Lady Bracknell now tend to ridicule the notion of marriage proposals in the society.

Oscar Wilde uses the comments of characters as well as their actions to achieve the aim of

satirizing the society. It is important to note that the aim of the elements of satire are to drive

home the point of satire and so ridicule being one of the elements of satire aims at causing

individuals as well as the community to recheck their actions and review the activities.
 Satire also make use of Hyperbole and Understatement. The figure of speech, or trope,

called Hyperbole (Greek for “overshooting”) is bold overstatement, or the extravagant

exaggeration of fact or of possibility. It may be used either for serious or Ironic or comic effect.

Satire uses exaggeration of words and actions to pass across the intention of the writer. The

contrary figure is understatement (the Greek term is meiosis, “lessening”), which deliberately

represents something as very much less in magnitude or importance than it really is, or is

ordinarily considered to be. The effect is usually ironic— It entails making a situation or person

look better or worse than they are by means of exaggeration or meiosis to highlight certain

aspects of a work. In Soyinka’s The Trials of Brother Jero, Wole in an attempt to Satirize false

religious hypocrisy and incredibility exaggerate Jero action of escape through his window so that

he wouldn’t pay the money he owes Amope. Chume, the one whom the prophet almost regards

as his apprentice, says he's going to be kill his wife if she doesn't respond to his questions.

Hyperbole is used here to call out the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious. Soyinka uses

the exaggerated words of Chume to pass this Satire across. Similarly in Molière’s Tartuffe, we

see Orgon saying that he could see his brother children, mother, wife all expire and not regard it,

because of his admiration for Tartuffe. Molière uses exaggerated words of Orgon to criticize
religious extremist who because of their belief in their pastors forgets about their families in

pursuits of a proposed “holy man”. In The importance of being Ernest, Oscar Wilde uses the

action of Algernon who makes light of the double appearance of his friend Jack and doesn't

really regard it as anything and even confesses that is also a Bunburist is an understatement and

it is used in satire to point to situations which the writer wish to redress.

To conclude, the elements of satire are frameworks which a Satirist employs to achieve

the aim of creating a change in actions, social policies as well as characters. This essay has

highlighted various elements of Satire such as irony, sarcasm, ridicule, parody, hyperbole and

understatement amongst others to critically explain how they are used as vehicle in the

development of a Satirical comedy Wole Soyinka in The Trials of Brother Jero which satirizes

religious hypocrisy and the commodification of religion employs this different elements of satire.

Chume, ridicules hypocrites, who spends more of their time in church praying for wealth and

promotion instead of going out to work. Molière’s Tartuffe, amongst other elements make

sarcastic commentaries on the character of Tartuffe. Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of being

Ernest uses the element of Irony to call the issue of double appearance of the late Victorian

manners. The final conversation between Lady Bracknell and her new found cousin Ernest points

that the previous “Jack” finally learns his lesson for the first time in life on the vital Importance

of Being Earnest. This realization is what satire achieves using this elements.
WORKS CITED

Mahler, Adam. “Satire.” LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 5 May 2017. Web. 19 Nov 2024.

M. H. Abrams. A-glossary-of-literary-terms-7th Ed.

Molière Tartuffe 1669 Dover Publications, Inc.

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of being Ernest 14 Feb. 1895.

Woke Soyinka The Trials of Brother Jero. Spectrum Books Limited Ibadan 1964

https://homework.study.com/explanation/what-are-the-elements-of-satire.html

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