Political Cartoons

What is their purpose?

What techniques are used?

• Symbolism• Caricature• Captions and labels• Exaggeration

Symbolism

Examples of Symbols

• Peace

Examples continued

• United States

Examples continued, 2

• Freedom

Examples continued 3

•Political Parties

Examples Continued 4

• Death

Examples continued, 5

• Love

Examples continued, 6

• Money

Examples continued, 7

• Heroes• Villians

Caricature

Example 2

Example 2

Captions and Labels

Example 2

Exaggeration

Example 2

Questions to ask yourself when analyzing a political cartoon

1. What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon?

2. Are there any real people in the cartoon? Who is portrayed in the cartoon?

3. Are there symbols in the cartoon? What are they and what do they represent?

4. What is the cartoonist’s opinion about the topic portrayed in the cartoon?

5. Do you agree or disagree with the cartoonist’s opinion? Why?