Analyzing an Editorial
Cartoon
Introducing Techniques:
Symbolism
Exaggeration
» Exaggerate: represent (something)
as being larger, greater, better, or
worse than it really is.
» Example: The fish I caught was
this big
.
Exaggeration of an
Editorial Cartoon
Hmm ?!?!
» What does this cartoon exaggerate?
» What does the cartoon imply is most
people’s reason for not recycling?
» How does exaggeration reinforce the
message of the cartoon?
Caricature
Einstein…
» Compare the caricature of Albert
Einstein to his photograph. What
physical characteristics has the
cartoonist exaggerated?
» What is the effect of these changes?
Analogies:
» The Internet is like a highway.
» An easy task is like child’s play.
» A crowded rock concert is like a
zoo.
Humor
• Artists often use humor to
communicate their point.
• They force the viewer to laugh at
themselves or at the situation.
Labeling
» The cartoonist will often label
people or objects in a cartoon to
make sure the viewer clearly
understands them.
Now let’s
look at one
together.
•
•
•
What is labeled in this cartoon?
How does the label help you
understand the central idea
(message) of the cartoon?
What is the central idea this artist is
communicating?
Analyzing an Editorial Cartoon