This handout was created by the Ardrossan Social Dept.

TECHNIQUES: CARICATURES

The cartoonist will employ numerous techniques to get his message across to the viewer. One of the most

frequently used is that of caricature. In caricature, the cartoonist will exaggerate certain features of the

main figure in the cartoon. This figure tends to be a highly recognizable person, either from the past or

present day. The cartoonist may choose to exaggerate the shape of the ears, nose, or just the overall facial

shape. Any distinguishing features such as birthmarks will receive attention by the cartoonist. It is

expected by the cartoonist that the viewer must have some prior knowledge to identify the

caricature. Sometimes, both not always, the cartoonist may include the name of the figure.

Sample One: Ralph Klein (former premier of Alberta)

In this caricature, the cartoonist has exaggerated the ears, the heavy jowls/double chins and the nose. In

fact, the nose of Klein would be shaded in to indicate to the viewer that this person has a problem with

alcohol.

Sample Two: Jean Chretien (former Prime Minister of Canada)

The cartoonist has chosen to exaggerate Chretien’s ears, forehead and his crooked mouth.

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Sample Three: Stephen Harper (present Prime Minister of Canada)

In this caricature, the cartoonist has given the viewer additional help with the caption “Super Stephen”.

Because there are no unique facial parts to exaggerate the cartoonist has exaggerated the overall shape of

the face (rectangular).

Sample Four: Slobodan Milosevic (former dictator of Serbia, 1991-99)

In this classic caricaturization of the dictator Milosevic, the cartoonist has exaggerated the shape of the

face, the double chins, the receding hairline (high widow’s peak) and the white straight hair. The

cartoonist has gone one step further by giving the viewer additional information into the personality of

this political figure. The cartoonist has drawn Milosevic with a bloodstained meat cleaver, indicating

Milosevic’s brutal methods of control. Also notice the blood stains on his apron. Milosevic is shown as a

“butcher” and, in fact, that was one of his nicknames (the butcher of Serbia).

Additional note on caricatures:

Often the cartoonist will draw the caricature with additional symbols to try to convey to the viewer

an insight into the personality of the figure or to give the viewer more information about which the figure

is.

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Sample Five: Saddam Hussein (former dictator of Iraq, 1979- )

In this caricature the cartoonist portrays Hussein with a rifle to emphasize his imperialistic and militaristic

tendencies. Also, observe the skull on Hussein’s cap; again a symbol of death.

Sample Six: Boris Yeltsin (former President of Russia, 1992-98)

In this caricature of Boris Yeltsin the cartoonist portrays Yeltsin in the classic caricature mode with the

emphasis on his white hair, chubby face and double chin. The cartoonist provides additional commentary

by including the IV stand reflecting the idea that Yeltsin was also a very ill leader due his alcoholism.

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Sample Seven: M. Gorbachev (former and last communist leader of USSR)

Notice the symbol of the olive branch in Gorbachev’s hand. What is the cartoonist trying to say about this

leader? Also notice the “peace sign” Gorbachev makes with his left hand.

Other caricatures (national and international): Can you identify them?

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TECHNIQUE: PERSONIFICATION AND SYMBOLISM

Cartoonists will often use personification of ideas and concepts that are personalized and given human

characteristics.

For example, DEATH is personified as the “grim reaper”’ pictured as a skeleton, wearing an ominous

grin, and often dressed in dark flowing robes.

FATHER TIME is usually drawn with a long, flowing white beard and drowsy expression.

More often cartoonists will use symbols in their pictures. A symbol is something that is used to represent

a large idea or concept.

Below is a partial listing of some of the more frequently used symbols

Canada-beaver, maple leaf, hockey

Citizen/taxpayer-John Q, Public or sometimes a small man with ragged clothes

Any country-usually their flag

Communism-hammer and sickle

Government –ship of state

Knowledge-torch

Labour-any person carrying tools of trade and a lunch pail, wearing a hard hat

Middle East-camel or pyramid

Monarchy- throne. Crown, specter,

Money-money bags, money sign

New Year-baby with a top hat

Parliament-Parliament buildings

Peace-dove, olive branch

Strength-oak tree, biceps

War-A-bomb, swords, guns, missiles, vulture

Animals are often used as symbols. It is important that students come to recognize some of the more

common animal symbolism.

Eagle-United States Stork-birth

Bear-USSR or present day Russia Tiger-China

Bulldog- England Vulture-death, war

Camel-Middle East

Dachshund-Germany

Donkey-United States Republican Party

Dove-peace

Dragon-China

Elephant-United States Democratic Party

Fox-Japan

Lamb-innocence, gentleness

Lion-Britain

Rat-ancient symbol of anything loathsome; disease

Spider-intrigue

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TECHNIQUE: RIDICULUS EXAGGERATION

In this technique, the cartoonist will exaggerate something well beyond reality to stress their point

or message. For example, a drawing of acid rain could be shown eating through the roof of a building.

TECHNIQUE: CONTRAST

In this technique, the cartoonist could choose one of two ways to show contrast. In the first

method, the cartoonist will use size. People or objects are sometimes made out to be much bigger or much

smaller than they are in reality. Large is used to represent something important or powerful while small is

used to represent something unimportant, ineffectual, timid or quiet. Distortions of size are used to

emphasize a problem. For example, a finance minister might be represented as a wrestler about to wrestle

the deficit. The deficit may be represented by an immense, fierce-looking wrestler, while the finance

minister is represented by a tiny figure.

In the second approach the cartoonist contrasts light and dark. Most obvious examples would be to

illustrate the present versus the past, good versus evil.

In this example, the cartoonist uses contrast (size difference) to emphasize the huge amount of the

Canadian deficit. It is not essential that students can identify the individual, although a clue is given on

the club (individual’s name).

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TECHNIQUE: IRONY AND SATIRE

Satire is the use of sarcasm and irony to attack or ridicule a happening, an event, a decision or an

idea. Satire is unsympathetic, abbreviated wit. Irony is used to express the opposite of their literal

meaning. It is one way to make people stop and take notice. Often times, the question linked to the

specific cartoon require the student to identify the irony.

The irony in this cartoon is quite clear on two fronts. Although the individual is committed to

halting global warming he is driving a vehicle which is a major contributor towards greenhouse gases.

Secondly, and more importantly, we question whether global warming even exists as is evident by the

huge snowfall shown in this cartoon.

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In this cartoon the student must have some background historical knowledge to fully comprehend

the ironic situation that is presented. This cartoon requires students to have a full understanding of the

relationship between Hitler and Mussolini and the events of the 1930s and war years.

1. One irony to emerge from the context of this cartoon is that

a. Mussolini would subsequently become dependent upon Hitler

b. Hitler would refuse to support Mussolini’s aggression against Abyssinia

c. Hitler and Mussolini would act jointly to preserve Austria’s independence

d. Mussolini would disagree with Hitler’s diplomacy at the Munich Conference

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TECHNIQUE: REVERSAL

This technique involves reversing the usual or expected situation in order to catch our attention and make

a point. For example, a bank clerk or a loans officer is shown holding up a customer to illustrate a point

about high interest rates.

We do not expect the World to be a bar patron and are caught by surprise. Instead of consuming alcoholic

drinks the viewer observes the world consuming “oil”, their drink of choice.

TECHNIQUE: HUMOUR

In this technique the artist uses humour to make a serious event memorable.

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INTREPRETING POLITICAL CARTOONS

HISTORY

Political cartoons first emerged as a distinct art form in the 1800s. The British magazine, Punch, began

publication in 1841 and was followed by similar magazines in Canada and elsewhere.

In the United States, political cartoons by such well-known cartoonists as Thomas Nast, became regular

newspaper editorial features. In 1888, the Montreal Star hired Henri Julien as Canada’s first full-fledged

cartoonist. However, J.W. Bengough was the nation’s most important early cartoonist and is known as the

father of Canadian political cartoons.

Bengough’s work contains many of the characteristics common to political cartoons:

1. Most cartoons deal with a single important issue such as an election campaign promise.

2. The cartoonist will use caricature or a well-known person or institution as the focus of

attention.

3. Reading is kept to a minimum. A few words are used to drive home the idea.

4. The cartoonist’s point of view is presented.

5. There is the use of humour to inform and educate the viewer.

Political cartoons generally are thought-provoking and strive to educate the viewer about a CURRENT

issue. They have become extremely popular over time. The advantage of the political cartoon is that is

reduces an entire article down to simple pictures.

HOW TO INTERPRETE POLITICAL CARTOONS

Step One: Identify the caricatures or symbols.

Step Two: Identify the issue being exposed or criticized by the cartoonist.

Step Three: Determine the point of view being expressed by the cartoonist.

When examining a political cartoon the student should ask the following questions:

1. What issue is the subject of this cartoon?

2. What do the characters in the cartoon represent?

3. What is happening in this cartoon?

4. What point of view is the cartoonist expressing?

TYPES OF QUESTIONS ASKED ON EXAMS

Usually the first question asked deals with the message of the cartoon. What is its theme? What is the

point of view? A second question could deal with a specific detail in the cartoon or an action that the

cartoonist would support.

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MODEL FOR CARTOON INTERPRETATION

Explanation

A political cartoon is a type of drawing used to present opinions, comments or criticisms of a

situation, person, or event. Cartoons help us understand information by presenting information in a visual

and memorable way. Cartoonists use many different techniques to achieve their goals:

Caricature: exaggeration one or more physical features –a large mouth to show someone who

often speaks out on an issue.

Symbols-using a recognizable item to communicate an idea-dove represents peace

Caption-having the characters speak or summarizing the message in a few words above or below

the cartoon.

Model for Interpretation

1. List the objects or people you see in the cartoon

2. Which objects/people are symbols? What do you think each one means?

3. Are there any important clues (words, places, and numbers) in the cartoon?

4. Describe what is happening in the four quadrants of the cartoon

5. What is the political/social /economic issue presented in the cartoon?

6. What is the cartoonist’s viewpoint on this issue? How do you know?

7. Who might agree/disagree with the cartoon? Why?

8. Describe how you were able to interpret this cartoon.

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STEPS TO ANALYZING A POLITICAL CARTOON

(Also valid for Political Art and Propaganda)

STEP ONE: PREMLIMARY CHECK LIST

Directions:

1. Circle whether or not the characteristic below is evident in the cartoon

2. Next describe the characteristic in the space provided

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STEP TWO: BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

Directions:

1. You may need to do some research on the historical topic to fully understand a cartoon.

2. Once you understand the topic, answer the question below:

Based on prior knowledge as well as class study, what type of historical information could help you

understand this cartoon?

STEP THREE: EXPRESS THE POINT OF VIEW IN THE CARTOON

Direction:

1. Fill in each of the sections below.

Sentence One: State the name of the cartoon and the point the author is attempting to make

through it

Body sentence(s): Bring in at least three points (from step one) with information from the historical

time period (from step two) to support your interpretation

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INTERPRETING HISTORICAL CARTOONS

To successfully interpret historical cartoons, students should take these steps:

1. Think about the events in that period of time.

-Look at the date. Think what was happening at that time.

-Who was involved?

2. See the different things in the cartoon.

-Make a list of things you see. Study the details such as text, body posture

and jot them down.

3. Think about the cartoonist and his motives.

-Look at WHO drew the cartoon and/or where it came from.

-What would he have thought about the topic he was drawing about?

-What would he have been wanting to say?

4. Go back to the cartoon.

Look at the list of things you saw. Can you see what/who they stand for-what they are

‘saying’-what they mean? What is the overall message of the cartoon?

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