Satire, though it may exaggerate the vice it lashes, is not justified in creating it in order that it may be lashed

Satire, though it may exaggerate the vice it lashes, is not justified in creating it in order that it may be lashed

Anthony Trollope, a renowned English novelist of the Victorian era, was known for his keen observations of society and his satirical wit. In his works, Trollope often used satire to criticize the vices and follies of his time, but he was also careful not to create these vices solely for the purpose of mocking them. Trollope understood the power of satire to expose the flaws of society, but he believed that it should be used responsibly and ethically.

Trollope's approach to satire can be seen in his novel "The Way We Live Now," which is a scathing critique of the greed and corruption of the financial world in Victorian England. In the novel, Trollope portrays characters who are driven by their desire for wealth and status, and he uses satire to highlight the absurdity and immorality of their actions. However, Trollope does not invent these vices out of thin air; rather, he draws on the realities of his time to create a compelling and believable narrative.