The Road to Understanding Political Cartoons The Road to Understanding

Terms to Know Political Cartoon also know as an editorial cartoon. It is an illustration or comic strip containing a political or social message that usually relates to current events or personalities

Terms to Know Satire the use of humor, ridicule, sarcasm, or irony to make fun of an individual or event

Terms to Know Irony the use of words expressing something other than their literal intention Example Environmentalists driving Hummers, People who say they are anti-guns have weapons in their home.

Terms to Know Sarcasm witty language used to convey insults or scorn Example It is possible for your mind to be so open that your brain falls out I refuse to engage in an intellectual battle with an unarmed man Political cartoonists use satire to point out issues or inequities, or to take a position on political issues

Political Cartoon Analysis What seems to be going on in the cartoon? Who are the characters/actors? How do you know? What issue(s) seem to be important to the artist? What is the purpose of this cartoon? What has been exaggerated in the cartoon? Why is this done? Is this funny? Why or why not? How effective is the cartoon in communicating the cartoonist’s message(s)? Do you agree or disagree with the cartoonist’s message? Explain

Dove Peace

Olive Branch Peace, forgiveness

Vulture Preying on others, death

Buzzard Preying on others, death

Skull/Bones Death

Elephant Republican Party

Donkey Democratic Party

Phoenix Something new and powerful arising from destruction

Uncle Sam U.S. Government, American people

Tortoise Someone who moves slowly, a winner

Hare Someone who moves quickly, a loser

Capitol Building Dome Congress

White House The President

Scales, a balance Supreme Court, justice, fairness

Eagle American Government, the Constitution

Laurel Wreath Victory

Statue of Liberty Freedom

Liberty Bell Freedom

Acorn Growth, Youth

Bear Strength

Chains Bondage/Slavery

Dawn Beginning/Hope

Fog Confusion/Obscurity

Island Lost/Paradise/Isolation

Ivy Immortality or Dependence

Key Liberation/Knowledge/Mystery/Initiation

Lightning Sudden illumination/Destruction of ignorance

Oak Strength

Ocean The unfathomable/Formlessness/Chaos/or stability

Pen Learning/Knowledge/Creation of destinies

Raven Bad news/Death