Profesora

Analyze a cartoon in four steps


Step I: Description

A detailed description of the cartoon is central to any interpretation. Start by:
• describing figures and objects
• saywhether any objects are symbols
• read all labels and the caption
• speculate on what the cartoon may be about
Step II: Analysis

Now describe the action taking place in thecartoon in some more details.
Issue: What issue is the cartoon addressing?
When was the carton published? What events were happening at that time?
• Figures, objects and symbols :• Are the figures caricatures of real people?
• Do the figures represent a certain group of people?
• What do the symbols symbolize?

Step III: Synthesis and interpretation

Puttogether your results and ideas and say what the message of the cartoon is and what the cartoonist’s intention is.

• Source: is the source a newspaper? Do we know anything about thenewspaper?
• Cartoonist’s point of view: identify the cartoonist’s point of view: determine whether the figures are presented in a positive or negative light. Are the figures or objects exaggeratedin any way?
• Message: explain the message of the cartoon.
• Aim: what is the aim of the cartoon? Is the cartoon satirical, critical or both? How or why is it satirical?

Step IV:Evaluation and comment

Finally, evaluate the cartoon and state your view on the cartoon’s message.
• Does the cartoonist give a fair/ balanced view of the topic?
• What special interestgroups would agree/disagree with the cartoon’s message?
• What about you? Do you rather agree or disagree with the cartoon’s message?
[pic]
Source:  From the German newspaper Kladderadatsch(July 1919)
  The figure lying on the bed represents Germany.    Clemenceau was Prime Minister of France in 1919.
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