How do you analyze a political cartoon?

      I think the way to analyze a political cartoon is to focus on the artists joke/pun and notice of the artist has communicated the truth and comedic aspect. The next thing my eyes focus on analyzing is the actual cartoon itself. I determine whether or not how the artist has portrayed his art piece and connected the political word with the comedy world.

       Now, looking at a real cartoon analyzation guide, I would analyze the political cartoon more differently. Looking at the example I first noticed how the guide connected English and History, such as when they first used symbolism. The guide clearly states that "Symbols stand for larger concepts or ideas." Thinking now, this sort of analyzation really makes sense and comes in handy when first analyzing a political cartoon. The second makes the evaluator focus on the term "Exaggerator" and states "A lot of times cartoonists exaggerate people or things to make a point." Labeling came third, because "Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear what they are standing for." The last two concepts focus on Analogy and Irony. From all these familiar English terms and details that the guide clearly stated, I have learned how to analyze and political cartoon correctly.

The guide I looked at and talked about when comparing what I thought and what I learned. 

Number One

When analyzing this picture, I first noticed iconic guy in the center. Uncle Sam. When I start to analyze this political cartoon I tried to remember and follow the "Correct way to analyze a political cartoon" guide, which I talked about in my second paragraph. After examining the artists art work, I first look for symbolism. The building in the background and how the gates are wide open really stick out to me and draw symbolism. Second, I really studied and carefully examined the exaggeration in this piece. Of course no one will just let, what looks like,  robbers, carrying a bag of goods, into the gate in plain sight. This exaggeration really seems to fit with comedy because not only is this a sretch from the actual truth but also makes the artists point of oblivion. 

Number Two

Now looking at this specific cartoon, It doesn't really show as much exaggerated and details as the first one, but its unnatural and smoky effect really sets the dreary mood. Th first thing that caches my eye is the skull faced man. This is a little exaggerated but more on the ironic side, when compared to the first image. Yet again, this is Uncle Sam but a dead, yet alive Uncle Same. The next thing that I analyzed is the symbolism with Uncle Sam riding a guy like a horse. This political cartoon really shows the mood and background of the time period. 

Number Three

When analyzing this picture, it clearly states a man (Maybe the President) washing and changing what looks like a Filipino. Also, there is symbolism in this art piece such as the capitol hidden in the trees, and is obvious that the surroundings are America. This image is clearly it is representing America taking over the Philippines and making it better.