The Function of Humour in Roman Verse Satire

Roman satire has always attracted a large audience through its aesthetic merit. As for content, it has traditionally been held that the aim of Horace, Persius, and Juvenal is to offer moral criticism. Maria Plaza argues that behind the moralizing facade the reader may find more sinister motives, such as fear, envy, and sexual sensationalism. In this study she uses an analysis of humour to investigate the complex essence of Roman satire.