editorial cartoon analysis guide
Symbolism
Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas.
After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for.
Exaggeration
Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point.
When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown. (Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.) Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration.
Labeling
Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for.
Watch out for the different labels that appear in a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.
After you’ve studied a cartoon for a while, try to decide what the cartoon’s main analogy is. What two situations does the cartoon compare? Once you understand the main analogy, 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, or the way things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue.
When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what point the irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?
Once you’ve identified the persuasive techniques that the cartoonist used, ask yourself:
Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas.
After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for.
Exaggeration
Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point.
When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown. (Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.) Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration.
Labeling
Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for.
Watch out for the different labels that appear in a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.
After you’ve studied a cartoon for a while, try to decide what the cartoon’s main analogy is. What two situations does the cartoon compare? Once you understand the main analogy, 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, or the way things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue.
When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what point the irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?
Once you’ve identified the persuasive techniques that the cartoonist used, ask yourself:
- What issue is this political cartoon about?
- What is the cartoonist’s opinion on this issue?
- What other opinion can you imagine another person having on this issue?
- Did you find this cartoon persuasive? Why or why not?
- What other techniques could the cartoonist have used to make this cartoon more persuasive?
Student Editorial Cartoon Contest Tips
This year's Student Editorial Cartoon Contest winners followed our suggestions for submitting cartoons. We suggest you do too.
Here they are:
1. Be most concerned with the originality and clarity of your cartoon's ideas. The artistic merit of the cartoon will be considered secondarily and only after the judges have had a nice meal.
2. Select news stories of major continuing interest — what's news in December may not be news in March, when the contest closes. And few people outside of your family are going to be interested in a caricature of your uncle Ernie.
3. Study some professionally drawn editorial cartoons closely before trying to create one of your own. Remember, study them, but don't copy them.
4. Don't clutter your cartoon with too many different ideas. Decide on a single point you want to make. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
5. Use black ink on white paper. Draw in bold lines. Keep lettering large and legible.
6. Draw your cartoons in a horizontal, not vertical, format. We're not sure why, but vertical just isn't as good.
7. Don't create a cartoon that is just a slogan ("Don't Smoke", "Watch Less TV", etc.). Be funny or thought provoking. Or both.
8. Again, and we cannot stress this enough, be original. Your cartoon may express a widely held view of a leader or issue, but it cannot reflect another cartoonist's way of expressing that idea.
This year's Student Editorial Cartoon Contest winners followed our suggestions for submitting cartoons. We suggest you do too.
Here they are:
1. Be most concerned with the originality and clarity of your cartoon's ideas. The artistic merit of the cartoon will be considered secondarily and only after the judges have had a nice meal.
2. Select news stories of major continuing interest — what's news in December may not be news in March, when the contest closes. And few people outside of your family are going to be interested in a caricature of your uncle Ernie.
3. Study some professionally drawn editorial cartoons closely before trying to create one of your own. Remember, study them, but don't copy them.
4. Don't clutter your cartoon with too many different ideas. Decide on a single point you want to make. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
5. Use black ink on white paper. Draw in bold lines. Keep lettering large and legible.
6. Draw your cartoons in a horizontal, not vertical, format. We're not sure why, but vertical just isn't as good.
7. Don't create a cartoon that is just a slogan ("Don't Smoke", "Watch Less TV", etc.). Be funny or thought provoking. Or both.
8. Again, and we cannot stress this enough, be original. Your cartoon may express a widely held view of a leader or issue, but it cannot reflect another cartoonist's way of expressing that idea.