how did your understanding of the cartoon change after doing the analysis exercise? course hero

What is the reaction of a viewer to a cartoon?

How to tell bias in a cartoon?

What is political cartoon?

What is the meaning of "informed" in cartoons?

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How to analyze cartoons?

First, since cartoons are non-textual sources, they often use symbols or metaphors to convey information rather than words. As part of your analysis you should therefore try to identify these symbols and what they might mean. You should also pay attention to how objects and symbols are depicted (parti cularly if they are distorted) as the way something is drawn can tell you a lot about the artist’s intent. In addition, as irony, caricature, and stereotyping are other common strategies utilized by political cartoonists, you should make a note of them when and if they are used. Finally, keep in mind that artists often adopt these techniques in order to make an argument. If possible, you should try to recognize not only the strategies themselves but also how these strategies are being used. In other words, what is the central point of the cartoon? What argument is the cartoonist trying to make? Similarly, you should always remember that, while cartoons can tell you a lot about prevalent attitudes, emotions, and political ideologies from the period in which they were created, they do NOT necessarily reflect the “Truth” about the situations or people they depict. As previously stated, cartoonists do have an agenda and this must be taken into consideration when cartoons are used as historical evidence. (Burack)

What should you focus on in a cartoon analysis?

At this stage of your analysis, you should focus on basic information about the cartoon you are examining. Who or what is depicted in the cartoon? What is it about? Can you identify any common symbols? Is there any text and, if so, what does it say? Who drew the cartoon and in what newspaper did it appear? Who was its intended audience? Does it have a clear message or agenda? (Historical Inquiry)

Can cartoons be read?

Political cartoons, for example, appear in newspapers across the country everyday, but they cannot be "read" in the same way as editorials and other articles.

Do political cartoons change over time?

Although some images in eighteenth and nineteenth century political cartoons remain common today (such as the Republican Elephant and Uncle Sam), symbols and styles do change over time. If you make assumptions based on modern interpretations,you might soon find that your ideas are contradicted by additional evidence.

What is the reaction of a viewer to a cartoon?

The reaction of a viewer to a cartoon is often emotional, not intellectual, and this is the response intended by the cartoonist. The intent of the cartoonist is for the viewer to react with rage, outrage, or amusement. An understanding of the power of the picture and its role in tapping emotions is one of the bases of visual literacy.

How to tell bias in a cartoon?

Often, the bias in a political cartoon is very sophisticated and is only indicated by the manner of the personality’s dress, a gesture, or by a double meaning in the wording of the caption. (For example, Charles de Gaulle dressed as Napoleon)

What is political cartoon?

Political or editorial cartoons are sophisticated pictorial comments about a social, political, or economic event or theme. Cartoons present an historical event, topic, or theme from one point of view and are aimed at an informed audience. While caricature and humor may be used, the distinguishing feature of political cartoons, as opposed to gag cartoons, is the use of satire. This satire is often in the form of irony, sarcasm, or ridicule and is used to point out the pomposity, hypocrisy, or lack of honesty of individuals or institutions .By providing a concise visual comment about a specific theme, topic, or event in a manner that is different, interesting, and often humorous, a cartoon offers a springboard for thought and discussion.

What is the meaning of "informed" in cartoons?

In its original context, a cartoon from a magazine or newspaper would have been placed next or close to an editorial or article that commented on the issue, event, or personality being illustrated. Thus, the audience is assumed to be informed.

How many historians tools are used to interpret cartoons?

What is involved... When you teacher looks at a cartoon and interprets it, he’s really using three historians tools at once: To interpret a cartoon, you have to integrate the three skills – using them to inform the others.

How to interpret cartoons?

To interpret a cartoon, you have to integrate the three skills – using them to inform the others. So, for instance, what you know about the period in which the cartoon was drawn will help you understand what’s in the cartoon – but, very often, what’s in the cartoon adds to your understanding of what was going on at the time.

What is the reaction of a viewer to a cartoon?

The reaction of a viewer to a cartoon is often emotional, not intellectual, and this is the response intended by the cartoonist. The intent of the cartoonist is for the viewer to react with rage, outrage, or amusement. An understanding of the power of the picture and its role in tapping emotions is one of the bases of visual literacy.

How to tell bias in a cartoon?

Often, the bias in a political cartoon is very sophisticated and is only indicated by the manner of the personality’s dress, a gesture, or by a double meaning in the wording of the caption. (For example, Charles de Gaulle dressed as Napoleon)

What is political cartoon?

Political or editorial cartoons are sophisticated pictorial comments about a social, political, or economic event or theme. Cartoons present an historical event, topic, or theme from one point of view and are aimed at an informed audience. While caricature and humor may be used, the distinguishing feature of political cartoons, as opposed to gag cartoons, is the use of satire. This satire is often in the form of irony, sarcasm, or ridicule and is used to point out the pomposity, hypocrisy, or lack of honesty of individuals or institutions .By providing a concise visual comment about a specific theme, topic, or event in a manner that is different, interesting, and often humorous, a cartoon offers a springboard for thought and discussion.

What is the meaning of "informed" in cartoons?

In its original context, a cartoon from a magazine or newspaper would have been placed next or close to an editorial or article that commented on the issue, event, or personality being illustrated. Thus, the audience is assumed to be informed.