Now that we have practiced analyzing a political cartoon as a class, try doing it again on your own. Remember to look for these elements: Symbolism, Exaggeration, Labeling, Analogy, Irony. You should also address the following in your response:
- What issue is this political cartoon about?
- What is the cartoonist’s opinion on this issue?
- What other opinion can you imagine another person having on this issue?
- Did you find this cartoon persuasive? Why or why not?
- What other techniques could the cartoonist have used to make this cartoon more persuasive?
We have looked at some examples of comedy throughout history in the English-speaking world from Shakespeare to the Marx Brothers, and are now venturing into contemporary (or modern day) forms of comedy. In your journals and in the online assessment, you had the opportunity to analyze a short skit produced by Saturday Night Live (SNL), a comedic group that hosts a weekly TV show with celebrity guest stars. Respond to the following prompt in a paragraph of 8 or more sentences.
Does SNL's Totinos skit successfully incorporate comedic elements? Is it funny? Entertaining? What is your overall reaction to the skit? How is this example of contemporary American comedy different from or similar to humor in your native culture?
