Simpsons Satire Essay

2231 Words9 Pages
How does a television series keep going in this time of ever changing network schedules and shows that grow stale after twelve weeks? The Simpsons have not only lasted, but with over 250 episodes since 1989, it has become a staple of American life. Last season, The Simpsons overtook The Flintstones as the longest running prime-time cartoon ever. Many tribute this longevity to the witty and hilarious satire that is present in every episode. By using incongruity, sarcasm, exaggeration, and other comedic techniques, The Simpsons satirizes most aspects of ordinary life, from family, to TV, to religion, achieving the true essence of satire. Homer Simpson is the captivating and hilarious satire of today’s "Everyman." With each passing season, Homer has emerged more and more as the central character in the series. In one episode, a previously unenforced 200-year-old prohibition law is found on the Sringfield books. Liquor then becomes outlawed and Homer becomes the city’s "Beer Baron." At the end of the episode, the law is simply done away with and Homer toasts the townspeople who have gathered in the park: "To alcohol! The cause of –and solution to –all of life’s problems" (Groening 231)! This statement is a very ironic social commentary from the writers of The Simpsons. Much of life’s problems can be blamed on the excessive consumption of alcohol, but the bigger picture is gluttony in general. Too much money, or food, or power, or alcohol can leave one with an empty happiness. If a person is ignorant, they might try to remedy their problems with more false fulfillment. This quote is also comedic because it shows Homer’s stupidity. Though the writers are attempting to prove a point, the character of Homer is totally sincere. The fact that anyone would actually praise alcohol in this manner is incongruous. As critic Jeff MacGregor says: It is Homer Simpson who drives

More about Simpsons Satire Essay

Open Document