In "Moo," Jane Smiley uses satire as a tool to explore and critique themes of divorce, among other societal issues. The novel, set in a fictional Midwestern university, employs humor and irony to highlight the absurdities and complexities of academic and social life, including personal relationships and marital dynamics.

1. Exaggeration and Irony: Smiley exaggerates certain characteristics and situations to underscore the ridiculousness often found in human relationships and institutional settings. Through characters who are embroiled in personal and professional conflicts, she subtly critiques the institution of marriage and the societal expectations surrounding it. The exaggerated portrayal of these characters’ flaws and their misguided pursuits often reflect the disintegration of communication and understanding that can lead to divorce.

2. Character Dynamics: The interactions between characters in "Moo" often serve as a microcosm of larger societal issues, including divorce. Through satirical depictions of their relationships, Smiley highlights the lack of genuine connection and the superficiality that can plague marriages. Characters may remain in marriages for convenience or social status rather than love or compatibility, a theme that Smiley explores with a humorous yet critical eye.

3. Academic Setting as a Metaphor: The university setting itself serves as a metaphor for the complexities and contradictions of modern life, including marriage. The bureaucratic and often nonsensical nature of academia mirrors the challenges and absurdities faced in personal relationships. Smiley uses this setting to satirize the idea that institutions—whether academic or marital—are often maintained for appearances rather than substantive value.

4. Social Commentary: Through satire, Smiley offers a commentary on the societal norms that govern marriage and divorce. By presenting characters who are trapped in unhappy marriages or who navigate the aftermath of divorce, she critiques the pressure to conform to traditional marital roles. The humor in these situations often arises from the characters' attempts to uphold these roles despite their evident dysfunction.

In summary, Jane Smiley's use of satire in "Moo" allows her to address themes of divorce with a blend of humor and critical insight. By exaggerating the flaws and absurdities in her characters' relationships, she provides a lens through which readers can examine the complexities and often unrealistic expectations of marriage in contemporary society.