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Political Cartoon Analysis Sheet

  • What issue is this cartoon about? Could someone explain the issue about which the cartoonist has drawn and written?
  • Who are the real people in the cartoon? How do you know? Does the person have a label? What physical or other features of the person were exaggerated to let you know who it was?
  • What are the symbols in the cartoon? How do you know? Do the symbols have a label? What physical or other features provide you with information to let you know what is being represented?
  • Whose side is the cartoonist on? How do you know? Does everyone feel the same way about this issue? If not, what are the different sides (encourage students to begin their statements with, "Some people believe that....")? Do you feel the cartoonist takes a side here? What evidence is there in the cartoon to support your belief?
  • What point is/was the cartoonist making?
  • Is there anything humorous about this cartoon? If so, what?
  • Is there anything in this cartoon which refers to a reform measure? If so, what is it? In what ways will it reform society?