How to Analyze Political Cartoons

Symbolism	Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas. After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for.
Exaggeration	Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things to make a point. When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown. (Facial characteristics and clothing are commonly exaggerated.) Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration.
Labelling	Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for. Watch for the various labels in a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?
Analogy	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. After you have studied a cartoon for a while, try to decide its main analogy. What two situations does the cartoon compare? After you understand the main analogy, decide if this comparison makes the cartoonist's point more clear to you.
Irony	Irony is the difference between the ways things are and the way things should be or the way things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinions on issues. When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation depicted. If you can, think about what point the irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?

After you have identified the persuasive techniques the cartoonist used, ask yourself these questions:

• 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 this cartoon persuasive? Why or why not?
  
• What other techniques could the cartoonist have used to make this cartoon more persuasive?