1. Political Cartoons Analysis and Interpretation in the Classroom John M. Jack Analysis and Interpretation in the Classroom John M. Jack

2. Understanding Political Cartoons We must understand and be able to identify symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, analogy, and irony

3. Symbolism Cartoonists use objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas After symbols are identified, think about the intent of the artist

6. Exaggeration Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point Look for exaggeration and try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make by its use.

8. Labeling Cartoonists sometimes label objects or people to make it clear what they stand for. Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?

11. Analogy By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, readers see it from a different perspective. What two situations does the cartoon compare? Decide if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s point more clear to you.

13. Irony Irony is the difference between the ways things are and the way things should be. Cartoonists use irony to express their opinion on an issue. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?

15. Let’s Try Some

17. Join, or Die!

18. Symbolism Uncle Sam

19. Columbia "Peace with all nations, Partiality to none." by Samuel Harris issued in 1804

20. Symbolic America Classical style and Greek influence

21. The Goddess of Liberty The “Americanized” Greek goddess

22. Political Symbols Stranger things have happened. Hold on, and you may walk over the sluggish animal up there yet -Thomas Nast 1879

23. Southern Chivalry What do you notice? What is the cartoon trying show? What is your interpretation?

24. Freedmen’s Bureau What do you notice? What is the cartoon trying show? What is your interpretation?

25. First Blow What do you notice? What is the cartoon trying show? What is your interpretation?

26. A Picture for Employers American Nativism Who can live on 40 cents a day?

27. Immigrants Welcome EMIGRANT.--Can I come in? UNCLE SAM.--I 'spose you can; there's no law to keep you out.

28. The Chinese Question What do you notice? What is the Chinese Question? What is your interpretation?

29. Spanish-American War Yellow Journalism?

30. Political Cartoons Analysis and Interpretation in the Classroom