Rhetoric and satire - spitting image and political comedy

This chapter examines the rhetoric of British political satire using the framework of ethos, pathos and logos. Taking as its case studies The Thick of It, Private Eye and Spitting Image, it provides an introductory account of how three major satirical outlets construct their character; appeal to the emotions of their audience; and use logic to give their messages plausibility. The chapter argues that satire can have a corrosive impact upon perceptions of public figures, whilst simultaneously flattering the audience. To convey their message, the satirist maintains a sufficient distance from both the object and the audience whilst implicitly striving to critique the former. This chapter concludes that British political satire encourages political cynicism amongst the audience/electorate.