Library / Absurdism vs Satire
Reference Guide
Absurdism vs Satire
Satire usually points its humor toward a recognizable target. Absurdism can work without a target at all.
Satire
Satire uses exaggeration, irony, parody or ridicule to expose a person, institution, habit or idea. The audience is often expected to recognize what is being criticized.
Absurdism
Absurdist work can create comedy through contradiction, repetition, futility, disproportion or the refusal to behave like a conventional work should.
Where they overlap
A work can be absurd and satirical at the same time. The difference is useful because it helps describe what the joke is actually doing.