Analyzing Cartoons, Photographs and Still

Images

EXAGGERATION
Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, characteristics of people or things in order
to make a point.
Look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown. (Facial characteristics and
clothing are common targets). What point the cartoonist was trying to make by doing this?
LABELING
Artists may 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 your self why the cartoonist chose
to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object
clearer? Is there a title?
ANALOGY AND METAPHOR
Analogies and metaphors both make comparisons intended to highlight a similarity. By
comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, artists can help their
readers see it in a different light. Analogies are often made with an historical or current
event. Determine the situations being compared and decide if this comparison makes the
artists 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 opinion on an
issue. If you detect irony in a cartoon, think about what point the irony might be intended to
emphasize.
STEREOTYPING
An oversimplified and usually exaggerated generalization: The politician has been
stereotyped as a villain. Is there any stereotyping in the situation the source depicts? If you
can, think about what point the stereotyping might be intended to emphasize.
SATIRE is ridiculing the event, individual or issue. See if you can find any satirical aspects in
the situation the source depicts. Think about what point the satiric perspective might be
intended to emphasize.
HUMOUR When you look at a source, see if you can find any humor in the situation
depicted. If you can, think about what point the humorous aspect of the source might be
intended to emphasize.

Because cartoons, photographs and still images are created from

the viewpoint of the artist, they do not always tell the story about
the event, issue or individual, but they reveal important messages.
Their purpose is to grab peoples attention and cause them to reexamine their views on a subject. Editorial cartoons typically send a
particular message. The message is conveyed through images and
wordplay and they use many of the persuasive techniques above to
do this. Considering these things will help you better decode and
appreciate the message behind the sources.

Describe the source.

Why have certain symbols been used? What are they, and what are their meanings?

What issue is this visual commenting on (how does it relate to what we are studying in class
- be very specific in explanations to demonstrate what you have learned)? What do you think
is the perspective of the artist?

Would anyone disagree with the artists perspective? Why?

What case study could be used to help explain this source and why is that example
effective?

Describe the source.

Why have certain symbols been used? What are they, and what are their meanings?

What issue is this visual commenting on (how does it relate to what we are studying in class
- be very specific in explanations to demonstrate what you have learned)? What do you think
is the perspective of the artist?

Would anyone disagree with the artists perspective? Why?

What case study could be used to help explain this source and why is that example
effective?

Analyzing Quotations - What you should consider when trying to

understand a quotation
Who was/is the audience for this quotation?
Who would support these ideas? Who would oppose?

If there is a speakers name provided, do you recognize the name?

What do you already know about this persons ideologies?
Is there a historical context for this quotation? (Does the time period in
which it was said help us understand its relevance?)

Private ownership of property allows for

power to be dispersed, since ownership of
property is the same as the ownership of
power. Property dispersed among the
people makes the people powerful.
Property concentrated in the government
makes the government powerful. Private
property thus prevents power and
property from being abused.

What ideological perspective is

reflected in the source (does
the author agree or disagree
with classical liberalism)?
Use specific evidence (direct
quote) from the source to
support your position.

What is your opinion of this

source - use information
from the class to support
your answer (be specific to
demonstrate what you have
learned in class)?

What evidence (case studies,

theory) could be used to
support or refute the
authors perspective?

It is not from the benevolence of the

butcher, the brewer, or the baker
that we expect our dinner, but from
their regard to their own interest.
Adam Smith

What ideological perspective is

reflected in the source (does the
author agree or disagree with
classical liberalism)? Use specific
evidence (direct quote) from the
source to support your position.

What is your opinion of this source - use

information from the class to support
your answer (be specific to
demonstrate what you have learned
in class)?

What evidence (case studies, theory)

could be used to support or refute
the authors perspective?

Analyzing Graphs and Charts

Graphs and charts are visual representations of data and can make complex
comparisons more easily understood. They can help us:

identify trends
make comparisons between two or more elements
determine proportions
make predictions
draw conclusions

1. What do the X and Y axes represent? Does a legend help to explain the
source?

2. What conclusion(s) can you draw from the data?

3. How does this data relate to what we are learning in class? Be specific to
demonstrate your knowledge.

4. What case study could be used to help explain this source, and why would
that example be effective?