Can satire stand on its own without borrowing from an original work?

• A. Yes, satire can stand on its own and comment on society or culture
• B. No, satire must imitate another work
• C. Satire can't be protected by copyright
• D. Satire always borrows from an original work

Answer: (A)

Satire can illuminate social flaws using humor, irony, and exaggeration without needing to imitate another work. An original satire can critique culture, politics, or norms through its own characters, scenarios, and voice, standing on its own as a self-contained critique. Parody—an imitation of a specific work to comment on that work or broader ideas—exists, but imitation isn’t required for satire to be effective or valid. Because satire is a creative work, it can be protected by copyright, and it doesn’t have to borrow from an original text to function. So, the statement that satire can stand on its own and comment on society or culture is the best answer.