Cartoon Analysis

Whāinga ako: Lesson Goals

Demonstrate an understanding of how cartoon elements work together to convey meaning and perspective.

Kupu matua - Keywords

Identify - This word means you simply point out the things that you recognise
Identify what is visible (characters, objects, symbolism). What background knowledge do you have of these things?

Describe - This word is used when you are required to explain what you see
What is happening? What ideas do the characters/objects/symbols represent?

Analyse - This is a word that is designed to get you to think a little deeper
Why were these characters/objects/symbols chosen to be used? What attitude is shown? What is the purpose of this cartoon? What is the message?

As a class, Identify, Describe and Analyse this cartoon:

Mahi - work

Cartoons are basically memes...

Made to give a message to the viewer, they usually have to be decoded to understand.

When creating a cartoon, cartoonists use the same techniques to create a mood or idea. These are usually Symbolism, Exaggeration, Stereotypes and Text.

What is Symbolism?

Symbolism is used through different visual elements such as shapes, objects, colours and even character expressions and actions.

For example, a cartoonist might use a clenched fist to symbolise strength or defiance. They might depict a character with a halo to represent innocence or purity. Different animals can also represent different countries!

The use of certain colors like red for passion or danger, or blue for calmness or sadness, can evoke specific emotions or themes within the cartoon. By incorporating symbolism, cartoonists add layers of complexity and depth to their work, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with the imagery on multiple levels.

What is Exaggeration?

Exaggeration in cartoons is when certain features or actions are made more extreme for emphasis or humor, often beyond realistic proportions or behaviors. It's a technique used to make a point or evoke a strong reaction from the audience.

Quick Group Discussion:

What is the exaggeration in this cartoon?

What effect does it have?

What are Stereotypes?

Stereotypes are simplified beliefs or assumptions about a group of people, often based on characteristics like race or gender. They can be both positive and negative but often overlook individual differences and can lead to prejudice and discrimination.

An example of a stereotype is the belief that all Asians are naturally good at maths.

Quick Group Discussion:

What are the stereotypes in this cartoon?

Why have they been used?

What is the purpose of this cartoon?

What text is in cartoons?

Cartoons use text for dialogue, captions for narration, onomatopaeas for sounds and labels. These are all intended to help the viewer understand the context of the cartoon.

This cartoon uses the dialogue between the two characters to set the scene with what is happening. If we did not have these speech bubbles we would not understand it.

Likewise with the label on K9- we are told that this robot is ChatGPT and so this gives us more context to be able to understand what the cartoonist is saying.

Lets look at this cartoon again...

What symbolism is used?
Such as shapes, objects, colours and even character expressions and actions.
What is exaggerated?
What stereotypes are used?
What text features are used?