Political Cartoon Analysis

In 5th grade history class, we are comparing the American Revolution to the Egyptian Revolution and learning about political cartoons. You can read Veronica's analysis of a political cartoon below. 

Political Cartoon Analysis Questions

By Veronica

1.     Describe the mood of the cartoon.

The mood of the cartoon is fear of the officials from the new “weapons” (social media) of the protesters.

2.     What techniques or devices does the artist use? Caricature? Symbolism? Ridicule? Puns?

The artist is taking a well known social media website, Twitter, that was used by protester to bring down Mubarak and the repression of police officers and making it look like an innocent bird scaring an officer. This is funny because the protesters biggest weapon was Facebook and Twitter.

3.     What issue or event does the cartoon deal with?

The issue that the cartoon deals with is the police officer is trying to repress the revolution, but because of social media, more people keep hearing about the revolution and joining in.

4.     Describe the action that is taking place.

The police officer is trying to kill the bird, or is trying to kill twitter and the revolution, but the bird has more power and is winning.

5.     What is the purpose of the cartoon? What is its message? Is it effective?

The purpose of the cartoon is to show people that because of new technology there are now new non- violent ways of protesting and beating repression. This cartoon is effective because it shows the power of Twitter and Facebook.

6.     Who is the intended audience?

The intended audience is people interested in the Egyptian Revolution, and how social media beat Mubarak.

7.     Whose viewpoint does it represent?

It represents the protesters viewpoint, because Twitter is winning and is powerful. The protester used Twitter knowing that it was powerful.

8.     What groups would agree/disagree with the cartoon's message? Why?

People who are against technology, Twitter, and Facebook and people who wanted to repress the revolution because, the officer who is trying to beat the bird is losing, so people on the police’s side would disagree because they want the police to win.