Newspaper/ Political Cartoons Techniques Flashcards
(11 cards)
Weasel Words
Intentionally ambiguous, vague or misleading words such as : like, helps, can
Effect: Allows writers to convey something that cannot be legally or truthfully said. It creates an impression that something specific and meaningful has been said, when in fact only a vague or ambiguous claim has been communicated.
It allows the writer to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.
Euphemism
Using an innocuous word in the place of something that is offensive
Effect: It allows the writer to soften uncomfortable topics or mislead readers. They also assist writers when conveying socially embarrassing ideas or topics to make them more acceptable.
Dysphemism
A derogatory term used instead of a pleasant one
Effect: Allows the writer to convey disapproval for an idea or condemn a societal norm or a social group.
Loaded Words
Words filled with emotions
Effect: Allows the writer to elicit an emotional response in the reader - positive or negative - beyond their literal meaning
Caricature
A rendered image showing the features of an individual in an exaggerated way
Effect: It is used to create deeper meaning in the text by commenting on the person’s character in an exaggerated way. This usually creates a humorous mood for the reader.
Situational Irony
When the outcome of a situation is significantly different from the expected outcome.
Effect: Helps the reader understand the difference between appearance and reality within the confines of a literary work.
Symbolism
An image or an idea that represents a more larger idea
Effect: Can give deeper meaning to the text and can allow writers to explain an idea or a concept in a poetic manner without saying it outright
Emanata
Unrealistic pictorial elements emanating from a character, symbolising something about that character
Effect: It is used to describe feelings, states of minds and thoughts and appeal to multiple senses of the audience in an attemp
Foreground
The subject in the front of the depicted scene
It is used to put the subject into context and establish the subject as the focal point of the panel
Background
The objects in the back of the image (usually not the subject)
To help add contextual information for the reader
Graphic Weight
The amount of contrast in an image
Effect: Attracts more attention from the viewer and creates deeper meaning. Can also be used to show the contrast between two things or to portray a traumatic or melancholic situation.
