Interpreting

Political

Cartoons

To interpret cartoons:

• Previous cultural knowledge is usually required.

• cartoons rely on literary allusions and historical events to a great extent.

• Without the cultural memory, people are excluded: all jokes become "inside jokes."

• Canadian newspapers and magazines featured cartoons as early as 1890

• Usually caricatures were present (Sir John A. MacDonald below)

• Caricatures are funny and usually focus or exaggerate certain features of a prominent figure and are used to make statements about the issues of the day

The history of political cartoons

Can you think of anyone on TV now who cartoonists often portray as a caricature?

Familiar cartoons from Late night television…

JAY LENO

DAVID LETTERMAN

• Cartoons poked fun at politicians and politics but they also helped people understand the issues.

• They were often found next to the editorials in a newspaper which expressed opinions on key issues.

• Often ours relate to issues between Canadian and U.S. governments

The history of political cartoons

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

• Does the cartoon have a title and what does it mean?

• What issue or event is the cartoon referring to?

• What is the setting? Describe what you see.

• Where and when does the action in the cartoon take place?

• Who are the people or figures in the cartoon? What is their mood? What are they saying?

• What other objects, symbols, or words are in the cartoon and what do they mean? (why are they there?)

What comparisons are being made? (if any) Who or what is the cartoonist poking fun at? What is the message of the cartoon? Does the cartoonist get the message across

effectively? Why or Why not? How does the cartoonist create humour?

What techniques are used to get the message across?

Does the cartoonist’s viewpoint differ from yours? Explain

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

If you could summarize this cartoon in one sentence what would you say?

What is the cartoonist trying to convey?