How do you analyze a political cartoon?
What I think about how to analyze a political cartoon:
To understand the message or point the cartoonist is hoping to convey you have to first look at all the symbols used. Analyzing proportion helps to understand the importance or grandeur of something. The colors used in the cartoon will majority of the time demonstrate feelings or emotions during that time or represent a certain country etc. By connecting all the elements within the cartoon is where you can find the meaning behind it. After looking at the guide I realize that going forward it is important to also look at the context of the picture. In irony, analogy, and labeling it is important to find the meaning behind the image, along with the methods I thought of previously described in the beginning. By combining all these method makes it possible to receive the importance of the piece and what it is trying to demonstrate. By looking, analyzing, contemplating, then reflecting. Guide
Comparison to Guide:
The cartoon analysis guide that I reviewed said that symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, analogy, and irony were all the aspects of a cartoon. What I had not included in my guide were labeling, analogy, and irony. These are important though because labeling is what the author uses to show exactly what something stands for, so no confusion may occur. It is important to ask why something is labeled when analyzing a cartoon. Secondly analogy is important because it is comparing two different parts and finding their comparison. This helps readers to see times in a different light. Normally the cartoonist will be comparing two different situations. Lastly, irony is an easy way for cartoonist to express their opinion on the issues.
Spanish American War:
The cartoonists was trying to represent the deceitfulness of Spain. The man representing Spain (by a label around his waist) seems to be humbling himself or drawing closer in a friendly manner only o be seen holding a bloody knife behind his back. The taller man on the left mostly likely is representing America because he reflects many of the attributes of Uncle Sam. The sinking ship in the back most likely belonged to the Americans because "Uncle Sam's" reaction is worried and fearful while the Spanish seems to have a reassuring expression on his face. I gathered that this meant that America was not aware of how Spain was backstabbing them until the sinking of their ship.
Phillipines:
This policial cartoon represents the overflow of Americans into the Philippines after they gained control. Uncle Sam is represented opening the gate to men with large sacks into the country. The wall that was keeping the men out is now opened by the gate which means the Philippines were no longer there own but controlled. I gathered that America had gained control of the Philippines and overflowed it with Americans and their own products.
America and Cuba:
The cartoonist in this cartoon I concluded was trying to represent the urge of America to help the suppressed Cuba. The physically fit Uncle Sam (showing the fit and readiness of America) seems to be trying to come to the rescue of a cuban woman being attacked by a vulture (cuban suppressors). He is being held back by a man who is much smaller, weaker, and more frightened than him. This man is mostly likely President McKinely because of the US flag in the back and because of his urge to not be involved in the war. The soldier who is dead beside the woman shows how much torment the people were going through. I concluded that this cartoon was trying to send a message of America is not weak and we want to take action to save the people.
To understand the message or point the cartoonist is hoping to convey you have to first look at all the symbols used. Analyzing proportion helps to understand the importance or grandeur of something. The colors used in the cartoon will majority of the time demonstrate feelings or emotions during that time or represent a certain country etc. By connecting all the elements within the cartoon is where you can find the meaning behind it. After looking at the guide I realize that going forward it is important to also look at the context of the picture. In irony, analogy, and labeling it is important to find the meaning behind the image, along with the methods I thought of previously described in the beginning. By combining all these method makes it possible to receive the importance of the piece and what it is trying to demonstrate. By looking, analyzing, contemplating, then reflecting. Guide
Comparison to Guide:
The cartoon analysis guide that I reviewed said that symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, analogy, and irony were all the aspects of a cartoon. What I had not included in my guide were labeling, analogy, and irony. These are important though because labeling is what the author uses to show exactly what something stands for, so no confusion may occur. It is important to ask why something is labeled when analyzing a cartoon. Secondly analogy is important because it is comparing two different parts and finding their comparison. This helps readers to see times in a different light. Normally the cartoonist will be comparing two different situations. Lastly, irony is an easy way for cartoonist to express their opinion on the issues.
Spanish American War:
Phillipines:
This policial cartoon represents the overflow of Americans into the Philippines after they gained control. Uncle Sam is represented opening the gate to men with large sacks into the country. The wall that was keeping the men out is now opened by the gate which means the Philippines were no longer there own but controlled. I gathered that America had gained control of the Philippines and overflowed it with Americans and their own products.
America and Cuba:
The cartoonist in this cartoon I concluded was trying to represent the urge of America to help the suppressed Cuba. The physically fit Uncle Sam (showing the fit and readiness of America) seems to be trying to come to the rescue of a cuban woman being attacked by a vulture (cuban suppressors). He is being held back by a man who is much smaller, weaker, and more frightened than him. This man is mostly likely President McKinely because of the US flag in the back and because of his urge to not be involved in the war. The soldier who is dead beside the woman shows how much torment the people were going through. I concluded that this cartoon was trying to send a message of America is not weak and we want to take action to save the people.
Comments
Post a Comment