Analyzing Editorial Cartoons

An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration or comic strip containing a political or social message. Editorial cartoons can usually be found on the editorial page of most newspapers, although a few, like Garry Trudeau's Doonesbury are sometimes found on the regular comics page.comic strippoliticalsocialeditorial page Garry TrudeauDoonesbury

Editorial cartoons can be very diverse, but there is a certain established style among most of them. Most editorial cartoons use visual metaphors and caricatures to explain complicated political situations, and thus sum up a current event with a humorous or emotional picture.cartoonsmetaphorscaricatures

Over the years, certain common metaphors and symbols have been repeatedly used by many different cartoonists. Examples include the use of Uncle Sam to represent the United States, John Bull, Britannia or a lion to represent the United Kingdom, a bear to represent Russia, a dragon to represent China, and so forth.Uncle Sam United StatesJohn BullBritannialionUnited KingdombearRussiadragonChina

Is this an editorial cartoon? Does it have a social or political message?

If you sometimes get lost and don’t know where to start with editorial cartoons, try breaking down the process into the following steps.

Five Step plan for interpreting Editorial Cartoons Step One Say what you see. –As you look at the cartoon, identify every detail (written as well as drawn)

Step Two Ask Questions –Perhaps you don’t understand a symbol or acronym, or you simply need more information about the issue at hand

Step Three Determine the target of criticism (or commentary)

Step Four State in a short declarative sentence the cartoonist’s opinion –This will lead to the thesis statement

Step Five Decide whether you agree or disagree with the cartoonist. Evaluate the merits of this viewpoint and analyze your own position. –Can you support your position with research findings? –If this cartoon addresses a topic of interest to you, begin gathering data now!

How many of the five steps do you remember? Quiz Time!

Five step plan for interpreting editorial cartoons Step One –Say what you see Step Two –Ask questions Step Three –Determine the target of criticism Step Four –State in a short declarative sentence the cartoonist’s opinion Step Five –Decide whether you agree or disagree with the cartoonist.

More practice See if you can do the next five on your own or with a partner. Write a sentence describing the cartoonist’s opinion for each cartoon.

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Bonus What historical event inspired this cartoon? Name the pieces of the puzzle.

Works Cited Special thanks to Mrs. Patty Des Rochers for the tips on analyzing cartoons!