INTERPRET A POLITICAL CARTOON
INTRODUCTION: Write an introduction to your essay.
Must have: A clear thesis: Make an argument based on the cartoon and the source materials.
BODY PARAGRAPHS: With the goal of providing support for your thesis.
A paragraph in which you include a description of the items in the picture and their meaning.
Included in this: discuss a THEME (fear, anxiety, happiness, anger, joy etc…) And BY WHO? Who felt this way?
SUBSEQUENT PARAGRAPHS.
This is where you will need to use THE PROVIDED SOURCE materials (primary and secondary sources.)
Provide in text citations.
You must find AT LEAST 1 SOURCE ON YOUR OWN. NO WEBSITES, NO WIKIPEDIA, OR OTHER ENCYCLOPEDIAS.
CAUSE AND EFFECT: You MUST answer these questions and relate the information back to your thesis:
• What is the cartoonist’s point of view about the subject portrayed in this cartoon? What
evidence in the cartoon supports your interpretation?
• Some cartoonists create their intended effects through shock value. Is that true of this
particular cartoon? How does it produce its effect?
• Do you believe the cartoonist intends to produce a particular emotional response?
• Do you believe this cartoon is successful in producing the effect the artist intended?
Explain why or why not.
• Do you feel this cartoon is persuasive? Why or why not?
• State the premise of this cartoon in one sentence (no more than ten words). (this is your thesis)
CONCLUSION: Wrap it all up.
