Interpreting Political Cartoons

Understanding theme in political cartoons

Students will learn how to identify and write effective theme statements from political cartoons, avoiding common mistakes.

Multiple Choice

What is Theme?

Theme is the universal message the creator wants to communicate.

What does it mean for a message to be universal?

• A message that is specific to one event.

• A message that applies to everyone, everywhere.

• A message that is a command.

• No idea.

Multiple Select

Theme is NOT...

• A single word

• a specific idea just for you

• a universal message

• tacos.

Multiple Choice

Themes cannot contain first-person or second-person pronouns and cannot be clichés.

Which of the following is a POOR theme statement?

• "Love can conquer even the greatest evil."

• "Family is not just defined by blood."

• "Time heals all wounds."

• "Direct action accomplishes more than talking about it."

Multiple Choice

Improving Theme Statements

"My actions are influenced by society." → Society influences peoples' actions.

Which theme statement avoids common mistakes?

• "I believe that love is more powerful than hate."

• "You should always treat others with kindness."

• "A person’s experiences shape their worldview."

• "It's important to never give up."

• Look at the political cartoon and ask yourself: What is the main topic or issue being addressed?

• Example: The subject could be immigration, climate change, or political corruption.

Identify Subject

• Analyze how the cartoonist portrays the subject. Is the tone sarcastic, serious, humorous, or critical?

• Example: If the cartoonist uses dark imagery or exaggerated characters, they may be showing a negative tone towards the subject.

Author's Feeling

• From the tone and subject, create a universal message that could apply to society as a whole.

• Example: If the subject is immigration and the tone is positive, the theme could be something like: "Immigration is essential for a diverse and thriving society."

Expand Into Message

Steps to Writing Themes

Multiple Choice

What is the first step in writing a theme?

• Determine how the author feels about the subject.

• Identify the subject of the political cartoon.

• Expand the message into a universal idea.

• Write down how the cartoon makes you feel.

What do you think is the theme of this cartoon?

What would be a complete sentence that captures the theme.
Topic: education, book banning

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to understand the theme in political cartoons?

• It helps us laugh at the drawings in the cartoon.

• It allows us to understand the cartoonist's deeper message and critique of societal issues.

• It shows us how the cartoonist uses humor to entertain us.

• It tells us what the cartoonist wants us to think about specific political figures.