Cartoons
Junior History
Skills
Year 10
Year 9
Year 8
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Prepared by Patricia Barry |
HOW USEFUL ARE CARTOONS TO AN HISTORIAN?
- They are an amusing primary source
- They give us contemporary comment on historical events
- They tell us about graphic art, production techniques, drawing styles and artistic trends in general of their era
- They may provide information on dress
- They can illustrate use of language
- They can show us illustrations of social life, eg. interiors, manners, customs
- They can show us what some people may have thought
- They can show us what was public opinion
BUT
They may well represent the cartoonist's own view which may not be the one that is held by many people
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What can I see?
Examine all the details of the cartoon very carefully. Check out each of the features listed below.
- symbols and symbolism
- how each character is portrayed
- facial expression
- body language
- style of dress
- what each character holds or carries
- what action each one is performing
- relative positions of the characters
- speech bubbles
- labelling
- general details
- caption
What is the motivation?
What is the desired effect? Is the cartoon intended to:
- Influence others to a way of thought
- project "owner’s" opinion or bias
- reveal cartoonist’s point of view or bias.
- influence or lead public opinion
- project public opinion or bias
- Highlight or simplify the significance of an event
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