Now that you have the basic concepts, here are some steps to follow the next time you encounter a political cartoon:
- If there are words within or accompanying the cartoon, read those words as they will tell you much about the cartoon’s purpose.
- Look for clues to the cartoon’s meaning. Describe what is happening and whom or what the symbols represent.
- Put the symbols, words, and purpose together to come up with a meaning for the cartoon.
Here are some clues as to what certain symbols may mean:
- peace - dove, olive branch, victory sign
- United States - Uncle Sam, flag, stars and stripes, shield
- freedom - eagle
- Democrats - donkey
- Republicans - elephant
- death - vulture, skeleton with shroud, skull and crossbones, Grim Reaper
- love - heart, Cupid, Venus
- money - dollar bill or dollar sign
- heroes - dressed in white
- villains - dressed in black
What is the following cartoon trying to convey?
Andrew Jackson is dressed as a king and standing on the Constitution. The cartoonist is saying he ruled more as a monarch, ignoring the rules set forth by the Constitution.
