2201 Political Cartoon Analysis





1. What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon? Election 2012

2. Are there any real people or places in the cartoon? If not, what images are portrayed in the cartoon? Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, and the Statue of Liberty

3. Identify the specific artistic techniques used in the cartoon (i.e., symbolism, analogy, exaggeration, labeling, and irony). What is the artist trying to show the reader by using these techniques? The techniques used are symbolism, exaggeration, and labeling. The artist is trying to show the reader both Presidential candidates are trying to get women’s votes.

4. What is the cartoonist's point of view about the topic portrayed in the cartoon? Give examples to support your interpretation. I think the artist is trying to convey the message that both candidates want women to vote for them and they are willing to do anything in order to earn their vote. To start, the title of the cartoon is Prom 2012 and both candidates are dressed in tuxedos. The heads on the men are enlarged and draw the viewer’s attention away from the grip they have on her arms. The men are pulling her in opposite directions. The woman looks shocked and seems to be struggling to stay on her feet.

5. Is this cartoon persuasive? Explain why or why not. I think this cartoon is persuasive. The symbolism of the Statue of Liberty makes me think about my rights as a woman and what the candidates are planning to do with them. Obviously they have different opinions because they are going in different directions.

6. What other techniques could the artist have used to make this cartoon more persuasive?

I don’t think the artist needs any more techniques to make this cartoon more persuasive.