Political Cartoons:

Analyzing the Illustrations

Objective

The student will be able to analyze political cartoons

Elements

• Irony• Symbolism• Analogy• Exaggeration• Labels

Irony

The difference between the way things are & the way things are expected to be.

Symbolism

An object that stands for an idea.

Analogy

A comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics.

Exaggeration

Overstating or magnifying a problem or a physical feature.

Labels

Words or symbols used for clarity and emphasis.

For Better Understanding

• Ask questions• Why something is drawn the way it is• How something relates to the issue• How something can be perceived differently

Questions Help To:

• Understand points of view• Understand main ideas• Understand the cartoonist’s beliefs/opinions• Make more connections with the cartoon and

the issue

Examples

In 1832, Nicholas Biddle wanted to renew the charter for the Second Bank of the United States. On July 10th, 1832, President Andrew Jackson vetoed the bill.

Jackson’s Bank Veto

• King Andrew The First• Unknown• Depicted The Veto of Andrew Jackson

What are two negative images in the cartoon?

Why do you think the cartoonist drew those images?

• The Plum-Pudding in Danger• Created by James Gillray• Depicted the Treaty of Amiens

What do you think the cartoonist’s opinion is of the two European leaders?

Your Turn

Oil Spill

Which of the five elements can you find?

Ah… The Beach

Which of the five elements can you find?

Drips of Disaster

What does the cartoon tell you about the oil spill?

What does the faucet represent?

A Hole Lot of Debt Why is Obama’s arm exaggerated?

Why does Obama have a shovel?

Which of the five elements can you find?

Challenges

Political cartoons relates to the theme of challenges because they illustrate political challenges that are being face at the time.