1. The Road to Understanding
Political Cartoons
The Road to Understanding

2. 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

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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. Dove
Peace

8. Olive Branch
Peace, forgiveness

9. Vulture
Preying on others, death

10. Buzzard
Preying on others, death

11. Skull/Bones
Death

12. Elephant
Republican Party

13. Donkey
Democratic Party

14. Phoenix
Something new and powerful arising from destruction

15. Uncle Sam
U.S. Government, American people

17. Tortoise
Someone who moves slowly, a winner

18. Hare
Someone who moves quickly, a loser

19. Capitol Building Dome
Congress

20. White House
The President

21. Scales, a balance
Supreme Court, justice, fairness

22. Eagle
American Government, the Constitution

23. Laurel Wreath
Victory

24. Statue of Liberty
Freedom

25. Liberty Bell
Freedom

26. Acorn
Growth, Youth

27. Bear
Strength

28. Chains
Bondage/Slavery

29. Dawn
Beginning/Hope

30. Fog
Confusion/Obscurity

31. Island
Lost/Paradise/Isolation

32. Ivy
Immortality or Dependence

33. Key
Liberation/Knowledge/Mystery/Initiation

34. Lightning
Sudden illumination/Destruction of ignorance

35. Oak
Strength

36. Ocean
The unfathomable/Formlessness/Chaos/or stability

37. Pen
Learning/Knowledge/Creation of destinies

38. Raven
Bad news/Death