political cartoons/satirical cartoons techniques Flashcards
(23 cards)
Allusion
A reference to a well-known person, event, or piece of art that adds depth or critique to the satire. For example, a political cartoon might allude to historical events or figures to make a point about contemporary politics
Biting Humor
A sharp, often sarcastic or harsh form of humor used in political satire to criticize social or political issues. It typically targets powerful figures or institutions
Blowback
A term used in political satire to describe unintended consequences of a character’s (or country’s) actions. Often used in cartoons to show the repercussions of political decisions.
Caricature
An exaggerated drawing of a character’s physical features or personality traits to emphasize their most notable qualities, often for humorous or satirical effect. Political cartoons often use caricature to lampoon politicians or public figures by highlighting features like a big nose or oversized ears
Contextual Satire
This is when satire works within a specific historical, political, or cultural context. Political cartoons often rely on context, such as a particular event or policy, to make the satire relevant.
Cliché
in political satire, familiar tropes or overused imagery may be exaggerated or twisted for comedic effect, such as showing politicians as corrupt, self-interested, or out-of-touch.
Cold Open
A technique used in political cartoons where the visual or narrative “punchline” is delivered without much setup, often relying on the reader’s awareness of current events.
Double Entendre
A technique used to create humor or irony in political satire by having a phrase or image with two meanings, often one of which is suggestive or pointed in a way that critiques politics or society.
Editorial Cartoon
A type of political or social commentary cartoon that directly critiques an issue or public figure. These cartoons often use humor, irony, and caricature to express an opinion on current events.
Exaggeration
A core technique in both comic strips and political satire, exaggeration is used to highlight the absurdity or flaws of characters, behaviors, or political actions. A politician might be drawn with overly large ears to symbolize “listening” or with a big wallet to symbolize greed.
Flashpoint
: In political satire, this refers to the moment in a story or comic where tension or conflict reaches its peak. It’s the moment that a cartoonist will often exaggerate or highlight to make a biting commentary on a political issue.
Graphic Metaphor
A technique in which images stand for abstract concepts. For instance, a politician might be shown as a puppet to suggest manipulation or a bomb to represent impending political disaster. Graphic metaphors are used to simplify and visually communicate complex political ideas.
Gag
A short, punchy joke or visual element, often in political cartoons, that critiques a political figure, event, or policy. Gags are used to deliver quick commentary on current events.
Iconoclast
In political satire, an iconoclast character is someone who challenges established norms or authority, often using humor to question societal or political conventions.
Knee-Jerk Reaction
In political cartoons, characters may react to a situation in an exaggerated, reflexive way, illustrating the impulsiveness of a political figure or public response.
Lampoon
A sharp, often humorous critique of a person, group, or idea. In political cartoons, politicians are often lampooned for their policies, behavior, or public personas
Non-Sequitur
A statement or image in a political cartoon that doesn’t logically follow from what preceded it. This can create absurdity and humor, but also act as a critique of how illogical or disconnected certain political actions are
Over-the-Top Satire
A form of satire that exaggerates aspects of a character or situation to the extreme. This can be used to critique political figures, showing them as larger-than-life caricatures of their worst qualities.
Quirky Symbolism
The use of odd or unusual symbols to represent political ideas. For example, a political leader might be drawn as a snake to symbolize dishonesty or treachery.
Ridicule
A form of humor where a subject is made fun of or mocked. In political satire, politicians or policies are often ridiculed to highlight their flaws or failings.
Satire
A genre of humor that uses irony, ridicule, and exaggeration to criticize or mock politics, society, or human nature. Political cartoons and comic strips are often the primary forms of satire in print media
Tension
In political satire, tension is often created by juxtaposing a serious issue with a humorous or absurd take, making the reader think critically about the subject matter.
Zinger
A quick, sharp comment or punchline, often used in political satire to highlight the hypocrisy, absurdity, or flaws in politics
