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Analyzing and InterpretingPolitical Cartoons
CHC 2D0
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsPolitical cartoons
must make their point succinctly and forcefully. The most
successful cartoonists rely on one or more of the following
techniques to make a bold visual statement.
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsExaggeration
An object, person, situation or idea is overstated. An issue,
particularly where someone is perceived to be at fault or wrong, is
emphasized and underlined by magnifying or diminishing its relative
importance. Also see Size and Caricature.
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsSize
A difference in size among objects or people emphasizes or
diminishes the relative importance of objects or people.
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsCaricature
Probably the most widely used technique, caricature purposefully
exaggerates a particular part of a figure (often in the face) or an
object. The figures or objects will appear distorted or ridiculous
while remaining instantly recognizable
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Caricatures of Political LeadersJacques Parizeau: Leader of
Parti Qubcois duringThe 1995 Referendum
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Caricatures of Political LeadersLucien Bouchard: Form member of
PC, former leader of Bloc Qubcois, former leader of Parti
Qubcois
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Caricatures of Political Leaders
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Caricatures of Political Leaders
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsStereotyping
Groups of people may be represented in an over-simplified and
inaccurate fashion to call attention to them or to the central
issue.
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsAllusion
Political cartoons refer to current events and issues.
Consequently, the political cartoon may lose some of its effect
with the passage of time.
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsSymbolism
In cartoons, one object can, and often does, stand for another.
A comparison is clearly made between two or more otherwise separate
figures, objects or events.
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsComparison /
Contrast
Differences or similarities can be highlighted by placing
similar or different items or people together.
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsStep One:When
analyzing political cartoons, you mustIdentify the main features
by:Describing all the elements in the cartoonLook for a date and/or
place on the cartoonIdentifying and explaining the cartoon devices
usedDecide which are the most important elements to help you in
understanding what the cartoon is about
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Identifying1. What are the main elements?
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identifyingIdentify when and where the cartoon was created.
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IdentifyingIdentify and explain the main cartoon techniques
used.CaricatureStereotypingcomparisonSymbolism
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IdentifyingWhat are the most important elements? What might they
be saying?
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsStep Two:When
analyzing political cartoons, you mustAnalyze the cartoon as a
whole by:Identifying the main event or issue in the cartoonExplain
the cartoonists message about the event
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AnalyzingWhat is the event being depicted?Referendum 1995
ORMeech Lake Accord?
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Analyzing2. What is the cartoonists message?Separation is going
to fail because of Parizeau, Aboriginals, ORBoth?
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Analyzing and Interpreting Political CartoonsStep Three:When
analyzing political cartoons, you mustJudge the effectiveness of
the cartoon by:Agreeing or disagreeing with the cartoonists take on
the event or issueDeciding how well or poorly the cartoon presents
the event, issue, or people involved
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JudgingDo you agree with the cartoonists take on this issue?Yes:
Separatism hurts Quebec ORNo: Separatism benefits Quebec
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JudgingHas the cartoon presented the issue well?Yes: its clear,
succinct, & funny ORNo: it presents negative stereotypes
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Practice
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Practice
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Practice
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Applying the ConceptsYou have had an opportunity to examine,
analyze, interpret and judge examples of political cartoons on a
number of issues. Now its time to create your own political
cartoon. Pick a current issue and use three or more of the common
cartoon devices / techniques.
