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?