1. How to Analyse an Editorial Cartoon
Learning to understand the statement

2. Cartoon Analysis
Cartoons are drawings in which the artist exaggerates features to make a statement of opinion about the subject of the cartoon
Cartoons appeal to the reader’s emotions

3. Purpose of the political cartoon
To get readers to look closely at the subject
To get readers to question their views on it
To sometimes get readers to change their opinion about it

4. Who are they about?
Political cartoons portray public figures, the general public, institutions (like the government), and news events

5. What’s so funny about that???
Many cartoons use humour for a serious purpose and not just to be funny

6. You interpret the facts
Some of the information in cartoons is factual
Some information is symbolic
The reader’s goal is to interpret the information and understand the cartoonist’s message

7. Examine what you see Every detail has been included for a reason
The setting (public buildings, locations, etc.)
The news story it relates to

8. Who are the characters? Look at the characters
Who does the character represent?
A character may stand for the general public, a member of a specific group, or a well- known person

9. Look for symbols in the cartoon
Symbols are things such as flags, logos, animals, or objects that represent something else
Beaver, maple leaf or canadian flag for Canada
a gavel for justice
A dove for peace

10. Analyse what you see:
What looks important or powerful? The foreground and centre are important positions in a picture
The important parts of a picture are large, stand out, have more detail, or attract your attention in some way.
Conservative Party government led by PM Stephen Harper has adopted few and gutted many environmental laws and policies dealing with greenhouse gas emissions, pollution problems or climate change

11. Ask yourself: “What looks powerless?”
What is powerless may be small, in a low position at the back, or portrayed as weak

12. How does the cartoon make you feel?
How do the characters make you feel?

13. Look for stereotypes
Stereotypes are examples with simplified characteristics used to represent a group
Positive stereotypes show only the characteristics of the ideal person in a group

14. Stereotypes can also be negative
Negative stereotypes
Show only negative characteristics, no individuality
Stereotypes may show a negative bias
Bias means showing a preference by portraying something positively or negatively

15. Consider the Caricature
Caricature is a distortion or exaggeration
Caricature of facial features may be used to identify public figures
Justin Bieber Arrested
January
Arrested for drag racing and driving under the influence

16. Read the words
Words in cartoons give important information

17. Think about the timing When and where was the cartoon published?
The common opinions and attitudes towards issues in historical periods can help you understand the intended message of the cartoon

18. Examine the cartoonist’s attitude and purpose
Does the cartoonist praise or criticize the different characters or the event?
Is something being made fun of?
Is something being distorted or made ugly or frightening?
Genocide in Darfur