Final answer:
In political cartoon analysis, one identifies characters, symbols, and exaggerated elements to understand the cartoonist's message about a particular issue, which may comment on contemporary events and shape public opinion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing a political cartoon, it's important to identify the characters, symbols, and any exaggeration used to convey the cartoonist's message. Characters like John Bull and Uncle Sam can represent countries such as England and the United States, respectively. Words or objects they might interact with often symbolize broader concepts such as freedom, justice, or specific political policies.
Identifying what these symbols represent can help us understand the political or social issue the cartoon is addressing. The cartoonist might also exaggerate certain aspects to emphasize their point or the absurdity they perceive in the situation.
The overall message of a political cartoon is the cartoonist's opinion or commentary on the issue at hand. It might question, support, criticize, or satirize the events or policies depicted. We can also look at how different nationalities are portrayed to understand the biases or perspectives the cartoonist might hold and consider the impact on the audience.
During specific historical contexts, such as the one indicated in a cartoon from May 1941, the subject matter will often reflect contemporary events or concerns. The cartoon's purpose can be to inform, persuade, or entertain viewers, potentially shaping public opinion. By comparing situations, the cartoonist can make their argument more clear or compelling to the viewer, asking them to consider the situation in a new light.