An Introduction to
Political Cartoons
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2010645512
Mary Beth Scumaci
Clinical Assistant Professor
Medaille College
April 2010
Copyright Information
• Please Note: The images used in this lesson plan and power point slide
show are from the Library of Congress Art Wood Collection which includes
items with “publication restrictions”. This means that
teachers and students may use either print or digital versions for
education purposes but cannot publish their work that includes these
images on a publically accessed website or in any print
format.
Cartoon America. A Library of Congress Exhibition, 2006. The Art Wood
Collection of Cartoon and Caricature.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/cartoonamerica-home.html
• Please click on the links in the PowerPoint presentation to see the
political cartoons.
Political Cartoon Introduction-Mary Beth
Scumaci
2
Cartoons: What do you see?
• The seven dwarfs, ca. 1937.
Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing.
Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature
Prints and Photographs Division
LC-DIG-ppmsca-03342 (82)
© Disney Enterprises, Inc.
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima
ges/ca082-03342v.jpg
Political Cartoon Introduction
Mary Beth Scumaci
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Cartoons: What do you know?
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Cartoons: What do you think?
• Snow White holding a bird, 1937.
Animation cel on acetate and paper with black
ink and acrylic paints.
Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature
Prints and Photographs Division
LC-DIG-ppmsc-02838 (83)
© Disney Enterprises, Inc.
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/i
mages/ca083-02838v.jpg
Political Cartoon Introduction
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Cartoons: What do they mean?
• The Family Circus."I wish you would dish out the
dessert, Mommy--Dolly keeps licking the spoon!" 1967.
Published by The Register and Tribune
Syndicate March 6, 1967.
India ink and opaque white over graphite
underdrawing with paste-ons.
Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature
Prints and Photographs Division
LC-DIG-ppmsca-09431 (75)
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/c
a075-09431v.jpg
Political Cartoon Introduction
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What is a Political Cartoon?
• First Woman Astronaut, 1974.
Used on national television 1974.
Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing.
Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature
Prints and Photographs Division
LC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17)
© Art Wood
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima
ges/ca017-07879v.jpg
Political Cartoon Introduction
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Definition of a Political Cartoon
• A cartoon that relates to political decisions,
events or ideas.
• An art form that makes people think about
different perspectives.
• A way of expressing freedom of speech.
Political Cartoon Introduction
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What is cartoonist Art Wood
telling us in this cartoon? Why?
• First Woman Astronaut, 1974.
Used on national television 1974.
Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing.
Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature
Prints and Photographs Division
LC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17)
© Art Wood
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima
ges/ca017-07879v.jpg
Political Cartoon Introduction
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What do you think the purpose
of a political cartoon is?
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Why do you think people enjoy
reading political cartoons?
1.
2.
3.
4.
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What do we learn from reading
political cartoons?
1.
2.
3.
4.
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There are 5 characteristics of
political cartoons. Any ideas?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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There are 5 characteristics of
political cartoons. Any ideas?
1. Symbolism
2. Exaggeration
3. Labeling
4. Analogy
5. Irony
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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.
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Exaggeration
• Sometimes cartoonists 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 overdone or overblown.
(Facial characteristics and clothing are some of
the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.)
• Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was
trying to make through exaggeration.
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Labeling
• Cartoonists often label objects or
people to make it clear exactly what they stand
for.
• Watch out for the different labels that appear 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
clearer?
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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’ve studied a cartoon for a awhile, try to decide what the
cartoon’s main analogy is.
• What two situations does the cartoon compare?
• Once you understand the main analogy, decide if this comparison
makes the cartoonist’s point more clear to you.
Political Cartoon Introduction
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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 opinion on
an issue.
• When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any
irony in the situation the cartoon depicts. 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?
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Symbolism
• What are the simple objects, or symbols, to
stand for larger concepts or ideas.
What does the cartoonist intend each symbol
to stand for?
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Exaggeration
• What physical characteristics of people or
things are exaggerated in order to make a
point?
• What is over done(Facial characteristics and
clothing are some of the most commonly
exaggerated characteristics.)
• What point is the cartoonist trying to make?
Political Cartoon Introduction
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Labeling
• What labeling is there?
• Why did the cartoonist chose to label that
particular person or object?
• Does the label make the meaning of the
object clearer?
Political Cartoon Introduction
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Analogy
• What 2 unlike things are being compared?
• Does this make the cartoonist’s point more
clear to you.
• You need to understand the history.
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Irony
• The difference between the ways things are and
the way things should be, or the way things are
expected to be.
• Can you find any irony in the situation the
cartoon depicts?
• Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or
her opinion more effectively?
Political Cartoon Introduction
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Political Cartoon Dissection
• Work with your group members.
• Complete the Political Cartoon Symbolism
Graphic Organizer
• Discuss the meaning of the cartoon with your
group.
• Be prepared to report to the class.
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Dissect this Cartoon…
• "It's from the I.R.S.-- it says, 'all income, from
whatever source derived . . . ," 1975.
Crayon, ink, and opaque white over blue pencil
and graphite underdrawing.
Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature
Prints and Photographs Division
LC-DIG-ppmsca-04613 (5)
©Etta Hulme, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1975
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima
ges/ca005-04613v.jpg
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Dissect this Cartoon…
• Comic Book Art/Political Cartoons (Exhibition)
View cartoons from the September 11
Witness and Response exhibition.
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/911/images/017
52/0002r.jpg
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Dissect this Cartoon…
• Paul Conrad. "My disarmament plan is better
than your disarmament plan!" 1961
Crayon and ink brush over graphite
underdrawing
LC-DIG-ppmsca-09425 (15)
© used with permission, Paul Conrad, The
Denver Post, 1961
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/i
mages/ca015-09425v.jpg
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Review
•
•
•
•
What are political cartoons?
What is the purpose of political cartoons?
Why are political cartoons important?
What are the 5 characteristics of political
cartoons?
• What do they mean?
• What did you learn?
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Create a Political Cartoon
• Topics:
Economy
endangered animals
school closings
•
•
•
•
Include the 5 Characteristics
Complete the Graphic Organizer
Draw Your Political Cartoon
Write a paragraph describing the meaning of your
cartoon.
• Present to the class
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Reflection
• Take 5 minutes and think about what you have
learned.
• Write 3-4 statements about what you have
learned about political cartoons.
• Write at least 1 question that you have about
political cartoons.
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Enrichment/Next Lesson
• Practice Identifying Political Cartoon
Characteristics
• http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommater
ials/presentationsandactivities/activities/politi
cal-cartoon/model.html
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