Analyzing and InterpretingPolitical Cartoons

CHC 2D0

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

• Political 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.

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

ExaggerationAn 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.

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

SizeA difference in size among objects or people emphasizes or diminishes the relative importance of objects or people.

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

CaricatureProbably 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

Caricatures of Political Leaders

Jacques Parizeau: Leader of Parti Québécois duringThe 1995 Referendum

Caricatures of Political Leaders

Lucien Bouchard: Form member of PC, former leader of Bloc Québécois, former leader of Parti Québécois

Caricatures of Political Leaders

Caricatures of Political Leaders

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

StereotypingGroups of people may be represented in an over-simplified and inaccurate fashion to call attention to them or to the central issue.

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

AllusionPolitical cartoons refer to current events and issues. Consequently, the political cartoon may lose some of its effect with the passage of time.

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

SymbolismIn 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.

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

Comparison / ContrastDifferences or similarities can be highlighted by placing similar or different items or people together.

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

• Step One:• When analyzing political cartoons, you must– Identify the main features by:• Describing all the elements in the cartoon• Look for a date and/or place on the cartoon• Identifying and explaining the cartoon devices used• Decide which are the most important elements to help

you in understanding what the cartoon is about

Identifying

1. What are the main elements?

identifying

2. Identify when and where the

cartoon was created.

Identifying

3. Identify and explain the main

cartoon techniques used.

Caricature

Stereotyping

comparison

Symbolism

Identifying

4. What are the most important elements?

5. What might they be saying?

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

• Step Two:• When analyzing political cartoons, you must– Analyze the cartoon as a whole by:• Identifying the main event or issue in the cartoon• Explain the cartoonist’s message about the event

Analyzing

1. What is the event being depicted?

Referendum 1995 ORMeech Lake Accord?

Analyzing

2. What is the cartoonist’s message?

Separation is going to fail because of

•Parizeau, Aboriginals, OR•Both?

Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons

• Step Three:• When analyzing political cartoons, you must– Judge the effectiveness of the cartoon by:• Agreeing or disagreeing with the cartoonist’s take on

the event or issue• Deciding how well or poorly the cartoon presents the

event, issue, or people involved

Judging

Do you agree with the cartoonist’s take on this issue?

Yes: Separatism hurts Quebec ORNo: Separatism benefits Quebec

Judging

Has the cartoon presented the issue well?

Yes: it’s clear, succinct, & funny ORNo: it presents negative stereotypes

Practice

Practice

Practice

Applying the Concepts

• You have had an opportunity to examine, analyze, interpret and judge examples of political cartoons on a number of issues.

• Now it’s time to create your own political cartoon.

• Pick a current issue and use three or more of the common cartoon devices / techniques.