What role does irony play in satire?

Irony plays a crucial role in satire by serving to illuminate contradictions present in society, politics, or human behavior. Through the use of irony, satirists are able to highlight the discrepancies between reality and expectation, or between what is said and what is actually meant. This form of contrast allows the audience to recognize the absurdity or hypocrisy in the subject being critiqued. By cleverly manipulating irony, the satirist prompts readers to think critically about the inconsistencies and flaws in the behaviors or beliefs being satirized, often leading to deeper insights and a greater awareness of underlying issues. This illumination of contradictions is what makes satire an effective tool for social commentary and critique.