The Most Famous Satirist in English Literature, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the satirist you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 2, 2024 07:12
Satire, the fine art of using humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or expose the follies and shortcomings of society, has always had a champion in the pens of English writers. Over centuries, these literary figures have wielded their wit and wisdom not only to entertain but to provoke thought and inspire change. Identifying the most influential among them helps readers determine whose style and insights resonate most deeply with contemporary audiences.
By presenting a dynamic list shaped by popular vote, readers gain insights into which satirists continue to captivate and influence the public today. This interactive format invites participation, allowing each person's perspective to contribute to a broader understanding of literary impact. As tastes and societal norms evolve, so too does the appreciation for the nuances of satire presented by different writers.
Who Is the Most Famous Satirist in English Literature?
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145votes
Charles Jervas · Public domainKnown for his satirical masterpiece "Gulliver's Travels," Swift was a prominent satirist of his time. His works often criticized the political and social issues of 18th-century England.Jonathan Swift in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Jonathan
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224votes
W. & D. Downey · Public domainWilde's satirical plays, such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "A Woman of No Importance," poked fun at the upper class and their societal norms.Oscar Wilde in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous author in Ireland
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Irishman
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous author of Gothic literature
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331votesBest known for his novel "1984" and essay "Politics and the English Language," Orwell used satire to criticize totalitarianism and propaganda.George Orwell in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person from Hertfordshire
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous George
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous author of Fables
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous INFP
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous author of all time
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416votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainTwain's novels, such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," satirized American society and culture in the mid-19th century.Mark Twain in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous cigar smoker
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from Nevada
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ENFP
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
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522votes
Cassandra Austen · Public domainWhile Austen is primarily known for her romantic novels, such as "Pride and Prejudice," her works also contained satirical elements that criticized the social norms and expectations of her time.Jane Austen in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Jane
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Victorian novelist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous author of all time
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613votesA French writer and philosopher, Voltaire's satirical works, such as "Candide," criticized religion, politics, and society in 18th-century France.
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72votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainButler's satirical novel "Erewhon" criticized Victorian society and its obsession with progress and technology. -
87votes
Michael Dahl · Public domainPope's satirical poems, such as "The Rape of the Lock," criticized the aristocracy and their frivolous lifestyles in 18th-century England.Alexander Pope in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Alexander
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913votes
Lewis Carroll · Public domainWhile Carroll is best known for his children's book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," his works also contained satirical elements that criticized Victorian society and its institutions.Lewis Carroll in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous children's author
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106votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainDryden's satirical poems, such as "Mac Flecknoe," criticized the literary and political figures of his time in 17th-century England.
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Ranking factors for famous satirist
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InfluenceThe impact and extent of the satirist's influence on subsequent literary works, movements, or societal perspectives.
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Body of workThe quantity and quality of the satirist's works, including their range, depth, and consistency.
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PopularityThe level of recognition and popularity the satirist enjoys, both during their time and in subsequent periods.
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Historical contextThe relevance and timeliness of the satirist's works in addressing contemporary issues and societal concerns.
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InnovativenessThe satirist's ability to introduce innovative techniques, styles, or approaches to satire that distinguish them from their peers.
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Enduring legacyThe lasting impact and continued relevance of the satirist's works in literature and broader cultural discourse.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous satirist in English literature. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Satirist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1794 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Satirist once every 24 hours. The rank of each Satirist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous satirist in english literature
Satire has been an integral part of English literature for centuries, with writers using this form of writing to criticize and comment on various aspects of society. However, when it comes to identifying the most famous satirist in English literature, opinions can differ.
One name that often comes to mind is Jonathan Swift, the author of "Gulliver's Travels." This satirical novel, published in 1726, is a masterpiece of political and social commentary. Swift's use of the fantastic elements of the story, such as the Lilliputians and the Brobdingnagians, allowed him to satirize the political landscape of his time in a way that was both entertaining and insightful.
Another notable satirist is Oscar Wilde, whose plays and novels often featured biting wit and social commentary. His most famous work, "The Importance of Being Earnest," is a satirical masterpiece that skewers the hypocrisy and superficiality of the upper classes in Victorian England.
Other satirists who have made significant contributions to English literature include George Orwell, who used his writing to expose the dangers of totalitarianism, and Jane Austen, whose novels often satirized the social norms and expectations of the landed gentry.
In short, there are many famous satirists in English literature, each with their own unique style and perspective. Regardless of who is considered the most famous, it is clear that satire has played an essential role in shaping English literature and continues to do so today.
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