What literary concept are caricatures an example of?

Caricatures are an example of satire because they use exaggeration and humor to comment on social, political, or cultural issues. By depicting individuals or groups with distorted characteristics, caricatures highlight perceived flaws, absurdities, or foolishness in a way that encourages critical reflection or laughter. This form of artistic expression is deeply rooted in the purpose of satire, which aims to provoke thought about societal norms and behaviors while also entertaining the audience.

In contrast, while the other literary concepts such as allegory, irony, and parody have their own distinct features and purposes, they do not encapsulate the specific function that caricatures serve. Allegory involves a narrative where characters and events symbolize broader moral or political meanings, rather than focusing on humorous exaggeration. Irony involves a discrepancy between expectation and reality, which is not the primary focus of caricatures. Parody, while similar to satire, specifically imitates the style of a particular genre or work to mock or comment on it, rather than broadly addressing social critiques through characterization.