Political Cartoons
10/14/2013
Political Cartoon Elements
Caricatures Symbolism
Irony Labeling Sarcasm
The goals of a political cartoon are to influence public opinion and to depict what is currently going on in US government
Caricatures – exaggerated personal characteristics to make the picture more humorous
Symbolism is used to clarify the cartoon’s deeper meaning
Examples of Symbols
• Peace – dove, olive branch, victory sign• United States – Uncle Sam, flag, stars and
stripes, shield, Columbia• Democrats – donkey• Republicans – elephant• Death – vulture, skeleton with shroud, skull
and crossbones, grim reaper• Love – heart, Cupid, Venus• Money – dollar bill or dollar sign
Irony – the difference between the way things are and the way they should be
Exaggeration - overstating or magnifying a problem
What’s exaggerated?
Labeling is used to make it clear exactly what they stand for
Symbol & label
Label
Symbol & Label
Label
Sarcasm – remarks or pictures that intend to hurt
How is sarcasm used?
Whose Who?
Republicans Democrats
What does this say about what is currently going on in the United States government?
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