Cartoon Analysis Worksheet
Most people know Dr. Seuss as the man behind The Cat in the Hat. But how many know that Yertle the Turtle was modeled after
Hitler – or that Seuss created hundreds of political cartoons during WWII that denounced racism, isolationism, and other issues of
the day? In hundreds of political cartoons, Theodore Geisel (AKA: Dr. Seuss) denounced Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini and was
highly critical of non-interventionists ("isolationists"). Today you will be analyzing four different cartoons drawn by Theodore “Seuss”
Geisel to better understand the climate of American society on the home front during World War II. Answer the following
questions for each cartoon on a separate piece of paper.
Answer for each cartoon (does not have to be in complete sentences):
1. Describe the action taking place in the cartoon.
2. What event or issue is being discussed?
3. Analyze any symbols used in the cartoon. Is anything exaggerated? Why do you think Dr. Seuss did this?
4. Explain the message of the cartoon.
Critical Thinking
After analyzing all four cartoons, please answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
How did Dr. Seuss's cartoons reflect his own political views? Explain.
Why do you think Theodore Geisel’s cartoons were so effective during the war?
How did Dr. Seuss respond to Japanese internment? How does this response differ from his reaction to other acts of racial and
ethnic discrimination?
How important do you think the work of political cartoonists has been in U.S. History? Do you think they still play an
important role in shaping public opinion? Why or why not?
Cartoon Analysis Worksheet
Most people know Dr. Seuss as the man behind The Cat in the Hat. But how many know that Yertle the Turtle was modeled after
Hitler – or that Seuss created hundreds of political cartoons during WWII that denounced racism, isolationism, and other issues of
the day? In hundreds of political cartoons, Theodore Geisel (AKA: Dr. Seuss) denounced Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini and was
highly critical of non-interventionists ("isolationists"). Today you will be analyzing four different cartoons drawn by Theodore “Seuss”
Geisel to better understand the climate of American society on the home front during World War II. Answer the following
questions for each cartoon on a separate piece of paper.
Answer for each cartoon (does not have to be in complete sentences):
1. Describe the action taking place in the cartoon.
2. What event or issue is being discussed?
3. Analyze any symbols used in the cartoon. Is anything exaggerated? Why do you think Dr. Seuss did this?
4. Explain the message of the cartoon.
Critical Thinking
After analyzing all four cartoons, please answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
How did Dr. Seuss's cartoons reflect his own political views? Explain.
Why do you think Theodore Geisel’s cartoons were so effective during the war?
How did Dr. Seuss respond to Japanese internment? How does this response differ from his reaction to other acts of racial and
ethnic discrimination?
How important do you think the work of political cartoonists has been in U.S. History? Do you think they still play an
important role in shaping public opinion? Why or why not?