Editorial cartoons

What do you think this cartoon is about?

● What issue is this cartoon about?● What do you think is the cartoonist’s opinion

on the issue?

● What opinion is being expressed in this cartoon?

What is an editorial cartoon?● An editorial cartoon is an illustration that provides an opinion

or commentary on current events and personalities.

● They use hyperbole and satire.

● Their purpose is to question authority and draw attention to social or political issues.

● They are often political, hence they are also called ‘political cartoons.’

Political cartoons originated in Britain in the early-18th century (1700s). They gained momentum during the French Revolution and throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Historians find them a valuable source for identifying the values and attitudes of people in the past.

James Gillray. “The Plum pudding in danger” (1805). David Low. “Rendezvous” (1939).

“Cartoonists are often at their best when they are critical, exaggerating a physical feature of a political figure or capturing public sentiment against the

government.” (Nash, 2011)

Simple cartoons work well too!

WARM UP: Analysing an editorial cartoon

1. What is the event or issue inspired by the cartoon?

2. Are there any real people or places in the cartoon? If not, what images are portrayed in the cartoon?

3. What opinion is being expressed in the cartoon?

4. Identify any specific techniques that the artist is using to persuade the reader to their opinion.

5. Is this cartoon persuasive? Explain.

Persuasive techniques used in political cartoons

Symbolism

Exaggeration

Labeling

Analogy

Irony

A simple object represents a larger concept or idea.Hence, it is a symbolic representation something.

Symbolism

The physical characteristics or

actions of people (or things) are magnified or

overblown.

Often this is done to make a point about a situation or a person.

Facial characteristics and clothing are the

most commonly exaggerated features.

Exaggeration

Objects or people are labeled to

make it clear exactly what

they stand for.

Labeling

An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things.

Analogy

By comparing a complex issue or situation with a

more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.

Irony is the difference between the way things are and the way things should be (or are expected to be).

Irony

Cartoonists frequently use

irony to express their opinion on an

issue or situation.

Tips for editorial cartoons● An editorial cartoon is a form of opinion, therefore it needs to

be insightful. Your message needs to be clear and strong.

● See it as a ‘column told in pictures rather than words.’

● It does not need to be funny. If the reader laughs, it is because they recognise the truth portrayed in your cartoon.

● Don’t clutter them with too many word. A few choice words of phrases should be sufficient.

● DO NOT use other people’s cartoons or ideas. Recreating someone else’s work is still plagiarism … DON’T DO IT!