Use these questions to structure your thinking about the meaning of a political cartoon.

Which objects or people are drawn?

Are any words, phrases, dates or numbers used to identify the objects or people?

Does the cartoon have a caption? What meaning does the caption give to the drawing?

Has the cartoonist used any symbols to convey meaning?

Which symbols are used, and what do they mean?

Has the cartoonist used wit and caricature to make a point?

What is the meaning and point of view the cartoonist hopes to communicate?

Who would agree with the cartoonist’s point of view?  Why?

Who would disagree? Why?