Analyzing Editorial Cartoons

An editorial cartoon, also known as a

political cartoon, is an illustration or
comic strip containing a political or social
message. Editorial cartoons can usually be
found on the editorial page of most
newspapers, although a few, like Garry
Trudeau's Doonesbury are sometimes found
on the regular comics page.

Editorial cartoons can be very diverse,

but there is a certain established style
among most of them. Most editorial
cartoons use visual metaphors and
caricatures to explain complicated
political situations, and thus sum up a
current event with a humorous or
emotional picture.

Over the years, certain common metaphors and

symbols have been repeatedly used by many
different cartoonists. Examples include the use of
Uncle Sam to represent the United States, John
Bull, Britannia or a lion to represent the United
Kingdom, a bear to represent Russia, a dragon to
represent China, and so forth.

Is this an
editorial cartoon?

Does it have a social or political message?

If you sometimes get lost and dont know

where to start with editorial cartoons, try
breaking down the process into the following
steps.

Five Step plan for interpreting

Editorial Cartoons
Step One
Say what you see.
As you look at the cartoon, identify every detail
(written as well as drawn)

 Step Two
Ask Questions
Perhaps you dont understand a symbol
or acronym, or you simply need more
information about the issue at hand

 Step Three
Determine the target of criticism (or
commentary)

 Step Four
State in a short declarative sentence the
cartoonists opinion
This will lead to the thesis statement

 Step Five
Decide whether you agree or disagree with
the cartoonist. Evaluate the merits of this
viewpoint and analyze your own position.
Can you support your position with research
findings?
If this cartoon addresses a topic of interest to
you, begin gathering data now!

Quiz Time!

How many of the five steps do

you remember?

Five step plan for interpreting

editorial cartoons
Step One
Say what you see

Step Two
Ask questions

Step Three
Determine the target of criticism

Step Four
State in a short declarative sentence the cartoonists opinion

Step Five
Decide whether you agree or disagree with the cartoonist.

More practice
See if you can do the next five on
your own or with a partner. Write a
sentence describing the cartoonists
opinion for each cartoon.

Bonus
What historical
event inspired
this cartoon?
Name the
pieces of the
puzzle.

Works Cited
http://www.longleaf.net/newsroom101/
http://www.cagle.com
http://wikipedia.org/