Cartoon Analysis

Cartoon Analysis Year 10 2012

Leaning objective: To write an analytical introduction for a cartoon analysis essay.

Know these terms:

ContextPurpose/Message/ContentionTarget Audience

Leunig CartoonDiscuss and take notes:

What is the context of the cartoon? What is the issue Leunig is responding to?

Who is the target? In other words, who is Leunigcartoon criticising?

For what purpose has he created the cartoon? What does he think about the issue?

Sample introductionThe debate over whether childcare is a healthy way to care for babies, is the subject of

Leunig’s cartoon. Leunig is critical of working mothers who rely on creches. The cartoon puts forward the view that babies left in creches are

unhappyand unstimulated and implies that mothers who send their children to creches are selfish.

context

message

target

purpose

Ways to explain context in your essay(Insert name)’s cartoon is a response to debate surrounding (insert issue or event)...eg the

current election, the recent increase in interest rates, match-fixing allegations in Pakistan.orRecently, (insert event or issue), has raised debate in the media.

Ways to explain purpose/message/ artist’s contention...

(Insert name of cartoonist) argues that....

(Insert name of the cartoonist) asserts that....

(Insert name of the cartoonist) puts forward the

view that...

Ways to explain audience.

People who are __________ would be persuaded by this cartoon….

This cartoon is targeted at….

This is designed to persuade people who….

This cartoon would appeal to….

Practice writing

Using one of the following cartoon, write an introduction using some of the

prompts if you need.

What’s the likely caption?“Some day, son, …”

What’s the likely caption?“Some day, son, …”

A) … you’ll have a job here!

B) … all this will be your problem!

C) … this will make you rich!

D) …you’ll thank me for this!

What’s the likely caption?What clues indicated this quote?

Well, the gas masks are a big hint!!! The father is clearly aware of the problem… but still in his suit and tie, maybe running the business.. What does that tell you!!?

Vocabulary Facial expressionBody language Layout Shading Attack Mockery Positioning and size of objects Caption/text

Cartoon Analysis Guide Use this guide to identify the persuasive techniques used in cartoons.

Symbolism Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas.

Exaggeration

Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point.

Labeling Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for.

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.

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.

Select one of the cartoons from your pack of cartoons and write your opening paragraph.