AP Language
Cartoon Analysis
Persuasive techniques cartoonists use to create humor:
Symbolism
Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas.
After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol
to stand for.
Exaggeration
or
Caricature
Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in
order to make a point.
When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown.
(Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated
characteristics.) Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through
exaggeration.
Labeling
Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for.
Watch out for the different labels that appear in a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist
chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object
clearer?
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics. By
comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their
readers see it in a different light.
After you’ve studied a cartoon for a while, try to decide what the cartoon’s main analogy is.
What two situations does the cartoon compare? Once you understand the main analogy, decide
if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s point more clear to you.
Irony
Irony is the difference between the ways things are and the way things should be, or the way
things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue.
When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts. If
you can, think about what point the irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help
the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?
Common Symbols Used in Political Cartoons
dove, olive branch, victory sign- Peace
Uncle Sam, flag, stars and stripes, shield, bald eagle- United States
donkey- Democrat
elephant- Republican
vulture, skeleton with shroud, skull and crossbones, grim reaper- Death
heart, Cupid, Venus- Love
dollar bill or dollar sign- Money
overweight white guys in suits- Corporate greed
Part I
Look through some political cartoons and choose one for analysis.
http://www.usnews.com/cartoons , http://theweek.com/cartoons ,
http://www.usatoday.com/opinion/cartoons/ , http://www.washingtontimes.com/cartoons/
Once you’ve identified the persuasive techniques that the cartoonist used, write a 4-5
sentence paragraph in which you answer the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Who is the cartoonist and what is the title of the cartoon?
What is the central issue addressed in the cartoon you have chosen?
What is the cartoonist’s argument (write this as a thesis statement)?
Identify the devices that the cartoonist uses to convey his or her argument.
Explain how each device adds to the argument.
Example:
In his cartoon, “Republicans of Iran”, Jim Margulies depicts the three Republican GOP
front runners as war mongers. Recently, in wake of concern over Iran’s persistent
pursuit of a nuclear program, the Republican candidates have suggested that the
President has not done enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and
have gone so far as to say that we should employ military action in addition to the
sanctions already in place. In his cartoon, Margulies uses a play on the word “warheads”
in reference Romney, Gingrich, and Santorum’s eagerness to use force. He also depicts
the candidates literally morphing into missiles. By showing Obama on the phone with
the Pentagon, Margulies is suggesting that the candidates, and by extension, the
Republicans are a greater threat to stability than Iran.
Part II
Directions: After completing the cartoon analysis assignment, consider the many issues
that you have been exposed to through op-ed and essay readings, documentary film,
and writing. Then, design and produce a cartoon that makes a humorous criticism or
claim about a specific issue. Your cartoon must have a meaningful title.
Your cartoon must also:

Address a recognized issue in our culture/society

clearly convey a criticism or opinion about the issue

provoke readers to reconsider their own opinions on the issue

incorporate at least 4 of the following:
o symbolism: donkey, eagle
o caricature: exaggerate prominent/recognizable features
o analogy: parallels similarities to a familiar historical event, fairytale, book,
etc…
o stereotype: old-fashioned bespectacled teacher, disorganized scientist
without any common sense, hippie, etc…
o irony
o pun
o labeling
You’re going to be graded on ideas and artistic effort- I understand that this is not an
art class.
Use the outline below to get started
1. Social, cultural, or political issue being address:
2. The argument being made (stripped of humor). Think of this as a thesis
statement.
3. Describe the four devices you are going to use and how they will add to the
humor and the argument that you are making: