Analyzing an Editorial

Cartoon
Introducing Techniques:
Symbolism
 Exaggeration
» Exaggerate: represent (something) as being
larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is.

»
Example: The fish I caught was this
big .
Exaggeration of an
Editorial Cartoon
 Hmm ?!?!

» What does this cartoon exaggerate?

» What does the cartoon imply is most people’s
reason for not recycling?
» How does exaggeration reinforce the message of
the cartoon?
Caricature
 Einstein…

» Compare the caricature of Albert Einstein to

his photograph. What physical characteristics
has the cartoonist exaggerated?
» What is the effect of these changes?
 Analogies:
» The Internet is like a highway.

» An easy task is like child’s play.

» A crowded rock concert is like a

zoo.
 Humor

• Artists often use humor to

communicate their point.
• They force the viewer to laugh at
themselves or at the situation.
 Labeling

» The cartoonist will often label

people or objects in a cartoon to
make sure the viewer clearly
understands them.
 Now let’s
look at one
together.

• What is labeled in this cartoon?

• How does the label help you understand
the central idea (message) of the cartoon?
• What is the central idea this artist is
communicating?
Analyzing an Editorial Cartoon