2. Elements of Editorial Cartoons

3. Symbols objects used to symbolize key ideas or characteristics of people Example: bags of money to symbolize wealth Sometimes cartoonists label symbols to be clear. What does the broken car symbolize? What does the man pushing the car symbolize? Why these symbols- what point does this make?

4. Exaggeration & Distortion often objects or people in cartoons are exaggerated or distorted to make a point Example: if a small Iraqi tank was shown next to a HUGE American tank it might make the point that the American military is much stronger than the Iraqi military. What exaggeration/distortion is presented in the cartoon? What point does this make about ?

5. Caricature Exaggeration or distortion of a person’s facial features used to make a point about the person portrayed (to make them look stupid, ignorant, smart, greedy, dishonest, innocent, etc.) Which of Bush’s facial features are exaggerated/distorted? What point does this make about him?

6. Stereotypes –These are often used to make a point about groups of people. –Example, a kid is shown sitting with eyes bulging at a T.V. to present the stereotype that kids watch too much television. What stereotype about American drivers is used?

7. Irony When there is a difference between what you would EXPECT to be happening and what is portrayed in the cartoon as happening. What kind of special deal would you EXPECT a gas station to offer? What deal is being offered in the cartoon? What point does this make about SUV sales?

8. Juxtaposition Putting together two people, two situations or two ideas that don’t belong together in order to make a point about one of the people/situations/ideas. Example: showing a politician going door to door with kids trick-or-treating asking for votes. This might help make the point that the politician is desperate for votes. What two very different events are being compared? What point does the juxtaposition make about presidential race?

9. Humor Could be a variety of things—often a play on words, using a famous line or slogan from another context… “BNN” is a play on words of what? What point does this make about the media?