Political CartoonsPolitical Cartoons

Analysis and Interpretation in the Classroom

John M. Jack

Analysis and Interpretation in the Classroom

John M. Jack

Understanding Political Cartoons

• We must understand and be able to identify symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, analogy, and irony

Symbolism

• Cartoonists use objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas

• After symbols are identified, think about the intent of the artist

Exaggeration

• Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point

• Look for exaggeration and try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make by its use.

Labeling

• Cartoonists sometimes label objects or people to make it clear what they stand for.

• Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?

Analogy

• By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, readers see it from a different perspective.

• What two situations does the cartoon compare? 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. Cartoonists use irony to express their opinion on an issue.

• Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?

Let’s Try Some

Join, or Die!

SymbolismSymbolism

Uncle Sam

Columbia"Peace with all nations, Partiality to none."

Columbia"Peace with all nations, Partiality to none."

by Samuel Harris issued in 1804

Symbolic America Classical style and Greek influence

The Goddess of Liberty

The “Americanized” Greek goddess

Political SymbolsPolitical Symbols

Stranger things have happened. Hold on, and you may walk over the sluggish animal up there yet -Thomas Nast 1879

Southern Chivalry

• What do you notice?

• What is the cartoon trying show?

• What is your interpretation?

Freedmen’s Bureau

• What do you notice?

• What is the cartoon trying show?

• What is your interpretation?

Immigrants Welcome

EMIGRANT.--Can I come in?

UNCLE SAM.--I 'spose you can; there's no law to keep you out.

The Chinese Question

• What do you notice?

• What is the Chinese Question?

• What is your interpretation?

Political CartoonsPolitical Cartoons

Analysis and Interpretation in the ClassroomAnalysis and Interpretation in the Classroom