An editorial cartoon is an illustration that uses techniques like exaggeration, symbolism, labeling, analogy, and irony to critique current events and personalities. They aim to question authority and draw attention to social and political issues through satire and hyperbole. Political cartoons originated in the 1700s in Britain and gained popularity during historical events like the French Revolution. They provide historians with insights into past attitudes and values. Effective cartoons employ persuasive techniques to express an opinion on an issue in a simple but insightful way.

1. Editorial cartoons
What do you think this cartoon is about?

2. ● What issue is this cartoon about?
● What do you think is the cartoonist’s opinion
on the issue?

3. ● What opinion is being expressed in this
cartoon?

4. What is an editorial cartoon?
● An editorial cartoon is an illustration that provides an opinion
or commentary on current events and personalities.
● They use hyperbole and satire.
● Their purpose is to question
authority and draw attention
to social or political issues.
● They are often political,
hence they are also
called ‘political cartoons.’

5. Political cartoons originated in Britain in the early-18th century
(1700s). They gained momentum during the French
Revolution and throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Historians find them a valuable source for identifying the
values and attitudes of people in the past.
James Gillray. “The Plum pudding in danger” (1805). David Low. “Rendezvous” (1939).

6. “Cartoonists are often at
their best when they are
critical, exaggerating a
physical feature of a
political figure or capturing
public sentiment against the
government.” (Nash, 2011)

8. Simple cartoons work well too!

10. WARM UP: Analysing an editorial cartoon
1. What is the event or issue inspired by the cartoon?
2. Are there any real people or places in the cartoon? If
not, what images are portrayed in the cartoon?
3. What opinion is being expressed in the cartoon?
4. Identify any specific techniques that the artist is using
to persuade the reader to their opinion.
5. Is this cartoon persuasive? Explain.

12. Persuasive techniques used in political cartoons
Symbolism
Exaggeration
Labeling
Analogy
Irony

13. A simple object represents a larger concept or idea.
Hence, it is a symbolic representation something.
Symbolism

14. The physical
characteristics or
actions of people (or
things) are magnified or
overblown.
Often this is done to
make a point about a
situation or a person.
Facial characteristics
and clothing are the
most commonly
exaggerated features.
Exaggeration

15. Objects or
people are
labeled to
make it clear
exactly what
they stand for.
Labeling

16. An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things.
Analogy
By comparing a
complex issue or
situation with a
more familiar one,
cartoonists can help
their readers see it
in a different light.

17. Irony is the difference between the way things are and the
way things should be (or are expected to be).
Irony
Cartoonists
frequently use
irony to
express their
opinion on an
issue or
situation.

18. Tips for editorial cartoons
● An editorial cartoon is a form of opinion, therefore it needs to
be insightful. Your message needs to be clear and strong.
● See it as a ‘column told in pictures rather than words.’
● It does not need to be funny. If the reader laughs, it is
because they recognise the truth portrayed in your cartoon.
● Don’t clutter them with too many word. A few choice words of
phrases should be sufficient.
● DO NOT use other people’s cartoons or ideas. Recreating
someone else’s work is still plagiarism … DON’T DO IT!