Terminology

Question 1

Body language

Answer 1

The facial expressions and positioning of a person that provide non-verbal clues about their mood and attitude

Question 2

Intention

Answer 2

What is the cartoonist trying to achieve? Is the cartoon meant to amuse, make a political statement or ridicule a statesman? What emotion does the cartoonist want the reeder to feel

Question 3

Irony

Answer 3

Irony is the difference between the ways things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be. When one thing is said but something else is meant

Question 4

Parody

Answer 4

An imitation of a piece of writing used to ridicule the original or create a satirical point

Question 5

Satire

Answer 5

Satire uses humour to make a serious point. It involves using wit, irony or sarcasm to expose or highlight human vices or follies. Political cartoons often involve satire to make a serious point about the economy, politics or politicians.

Question 6

Stereotype

Answer 6

An exaggerated, preconceived generalisation about the typical behaviour, attitudes, dress, etc. of various types of people

Question 7

Verbal clues

Answer 7

Some parts of the drawing may be labelled or specific dialogue may be used to help the reader establish what the cartoon is about

Question 8

Visual metaphor

Answer 8

In a metaphor, two different things are compared. In a visual metaphor, a picture stands for or represents something else.

Question 9

Symbolism

Answer 9

Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas. Think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for

Question 10

Exaggeration

Answer 10

Sometimes cartoonist overdo, or exaggerate the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point. When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem to be overdone or overblown.( facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.)

Question 11

Analogy

Answer 11

An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.

Question 12

How do you analyse a political cartoon

Answer 12

• what issue is this political cartoon about?
• what is the cartoonist’s opinion on this issue?
• what other opinion can you imagine another person having on this issue?
• did you find the cartoon persuasive? Why or why not?
• what other techniques could the cartoonist have used to make this cartoon more persuasive?