How to Read an Editorial Cartoon Editorial cartoons are exactly what the name implies. They are the opinion the artist express in the cartoon form. Like the author of an editorial, the artist hopes to influence the reader. Editorial cartoons express opinions about very specific events in the real word. An interesting thing about political cartoons is that they are about problems, but do not offer solutions to the problems they address. The political cartoonist uses many tools to express his opinion and to persuade the reader. Understanding the techniques of the artist will help you “read” the cartoon. Tools of the editorial cartoonist are listed below: Caricature – to exaggerate or distort a person’s prominent features. Exaggeration and distortion – an event can be exaggerated or the relative size of two things can be distorted. Stereotype- an oversimplified image of a group. Stereotypes help the reader identify quickly the meaning of a cartoon. Symbols- an object that stands for something else. Satire – pointing out a mistake or wrong and making fun of it. Irony – the real meaning is the opposite of what the words actually say. Labels – written words  Use the following format for analyzing cartoons: Date Topic of the cartoon Tools used by the artist and how the tools were used Artist opinion in one sentence Your opinion   www.cagle.com is a great website for political cartoons.

Date: 4/04/16 Topic: I voted Tools used by the artist: symbols (devil to represent evil) Artist opinion in one sentence: Voter are not supporting either candidate just the least damaging one Your opinion: American’s are not really excited about any of the candidates they are just voting against the one they don’t want in office instead of voting for someone they really want to support.

Date: 9/23/10 Topic: Senator O’Donnell’s method of transportation Tools used by the artist: symbols (broom for car) Artist opinion in one sentence: Christine O’Donnell is going to ride a broom to work since she is a witch. Your opinion: A candidate running for the Delaware Senate seat is really a witch even thought her commercial denies it.