90 likes | 97 Views
Interpreting Political Cartoons. To interpret cartoons: Previous cultural knowledge is usually required. cartoons rely on literary allusions and historical events to a great extent. Without the cultural memory, people are excluded: all jokes become "inside jokes.".
E N D
Interpreting Political Cartoons
To interpret cartoons: • Previous cultural knowledge is usually required. • cartoons rely on literary allusions and historical events to a great extent. • Without the cultural memory, people are excluded: all jokes become "inside jokes."
The history of political cartoons • Canadian newspapers and magazines featured cartoons as early as 1890 • Usually caricatures were present (Sir Wilfrid Laurier- below) • Caricatures are funny and usually focus or exaggerate certain features of a prominent figure and are used to make statements about the issues of the day Can you think of anyone on TV now who cartoonists often portray as a caricature?
Familiar cartoons from Canadian Political Figures Justin Trudeau Rob Ford
Does the cartoon have a title and what does it mean? • What issue or event is the cartoon referring to? • What is the setting? Describe what you see. • Where and when does the action in the cartoon take place? • Who are the people or figures in the cartoon? What is their mood? What are they saying? • What other objects, symbols, or words are in the cartoon and what do they mean? (why are they there?) ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS • What comparisons are being made? (if any) • Who or what is the cartoonist poking fun at? • What is the message of the cartoon? • Does the cartoonist get the message across effectively? Why or Why not? • How does the cartoonist create humour? What techniques are used to get the message across? • Does the cartoonist’s viewpoint differ from yours? Explain
If you could summarize this cartoon in one sentence what would you say? What is the cartoonist trying to convey?
This is a local cartoon – How do we know? Let’s interpret together by answering the questions for interpreting a cartoon!