Analyzing and Interpreting
Political Cartoons
CHC 2D0
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
• Political cartoons must make their point
succinctly and forcefully.
• The most successful cartoonists rely on one or
more of the following techniques to make a
bold visual statement.
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Exaggeration
An object, person, situation
or idea is overstated. An
issue, particularly where
someone is perceived to be
at fault or wrong, is
emphasized and underlined
by magnifying or
diminishing its relative
importance. Also see Size
and Caricature.
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Size
A difference in size
among objects or
people emphasizes
or diminishes the
relative importance
of objects or
people.
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Caricature
Probably the most widely
used technique, caricature
purposefully exaggerates a
particular part of a figure
(often in the face) or an
object. The figures or
objects will appear
distorted or ridiculous
while remaining instantly
recognizable
Caricatures of Political Leaders
Jacques Parizeau: Leader of Parti Québécois during
The 1995 Referendum
Caricatures of Political Leaders
Lucien Bouchard: Form member of PC, former leader
of Bloc Québécois, former leader of Parti Québécois
Caricatures of Political Leaders
Caricatures of Political Leaders
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Stereotyping
Groups of people
may be represented
in an over-simplified
and inaccurate
fashion to call
attention to them or
to the central issue.
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Allusion
Political cartoons
refer to current
events and issues.
Consequently, the
political cartoon
may lose some of
its effect with the
passage of time.
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Symbolism
In cartoons, one object
can, and often does,
stand for another. A
comparison is clearly
made between two or
more otherwise
separate figures,
objects or events.
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Comparison /
Contrast
Differences or
similarities can be
highlighted by placing
similar or different items
or people together.
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
• Step One:
• When analyzing political cartoons, you must
– Identify the main features by:
•
•
•
•
Describing all the elements in the cartoon
Look for a date and/or place on the cartoon
Identifying and explaining the cartoon devices used
Decide which are the most important elements to help
you in understanding what the cartoon is about
Identifying
1. What are
the main
elements?
identifying
2. Identify when and
where the
cartoon was
created.
Identifying
comparison
Stereotyping
Symbolism
Caricature
3. Identify and explain
the main
cartoon techniques
used.
Identifying
4. What are the most
important elements?
5. What might they be
saying?
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
• Step Two:
• When analyzing political cartoons, you must
– Analyze the cartoon as a whole by:
• Identifying the main event or issue in the cartoon
• Explain the cartoonist’s message about the event
Analyzing
1. What is the
event being
depicted?
Referendum 1995 OR
Meech Lake Accord?
Analyzing
2. What is the
cartoonist’s
message?
Separation is going to fail
because of
•Parizeau, Aboriginals, OR
•Both?
Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
• Step Three:
• When analyzing political cartoons, you must
– Judge the effectiveness of the cartoon by:
• Agreeing or disagreeing with the cartoonist’s take on
the event or issue
• Deciding how well or poorly the cartoon presents the
event, issue, or people involved
Judging
Do you agree
with the
cartoonist’s
take on this
issue?
Yes: Separatism
hurts Quebec OR
No: Separatism
benefits Quebec
Judging
Has the cartoon
presented
the issue
well?
Yes: it’s clear, succinct, &
funny OR
No: it presents negative
stereotypes
Practice
Practice
Practice
Applying the Concepts
• You have had an opportunity to examine,
analyze, interpret and judge examples of
political cartoons on a number of issues.
• Now it’s time to create your own political
cartoon.
• Pick a current issue and use three or more of
the common cartoon devices / techniques.