In "The Right to Be Lazy," Paul Lafargue employs satire and humor to critique the bourgeoisie and their values. He lampoons the bourgeoisie's promotion of work as a moral duty, portraying it as a means to control and exploit the working class. Lafargue's satire is evident in his exaggerated portrayal of the bourgeoisie's "morality of work," which he contrasts with the "good philosophy" that encourages enjoyment. He mocks the bourgeoisie's double standards, such as their enjoyment of leisure while demanding long hours from workers.
Lafargue also uses humor to highlight the absurdity of the bourgeoisie's values. He ridicules the idea that work is a virtue, suggesting that the bourgeoisie's own indulgence in leisure and luxury contradicts their work ethic. By satirizing the bourgeoisie's obsession with productivity and consumption, Lafargue underscores the class divide and the exploitation inherent in capitalist society. His use of humor and satire makes his critique both biting and accessible, effectively challenging the dominant ideology of his time.