“Join, or Die,” a political cartoon, [one of the oldest] created 270 years ago, in 1754 by Benjamin Franklin (1706 –1790) a renowned American polymath, prolific writer, printer, publisher and a masterful communicator. Published in The Pennsylvania Gazette, the cartoon featured a segmented snake, each section labeled with the abbreviation of a colony or region. This imagery was a powerful metaphor, suggesting that the colonies, if divided, were as lifeless and vulnerable as a dismembered snake. He sought to rally support for a collective effort against French forces and their Native American allies.
Political cartoons, which are based on caricature techniques, can trace their origins to the sketches of Leonardo da Vinci. The early development of political cartoons is often attributed to William Hogarth (1697-1764). In 1732, he released A Harlot’s Progress, part of his “Modern Moral Series” of engravings.
The symbolic impact of “Join, or Die” did not end with the French and Indian War. Decades later, the image was resurrected during the American Revolution, taking on new meaning as a rallying cry for colonial unity against British rule. The segmented snake came to symbolise the necessity of collaboration among the colonies to secure independence from the oppressive policies of the British Crown. The cartoon became an enduring icon of the fight for liberty and self-governance, it’s simple yet striking design capturing the urgency of collective action in pivotal moments of American history.
Even today, “Join, or Die” remains a powerful symbol, evoking themes of unity and resistance, and serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of visual storytelling in shaping public opinion and inspiring action.
Art of Reading a Cartoon
Political cartoons offer a unique framework for critically visualising the nation and national identity, often challenging conventional norms and presenting ideas without inhibition. Rather than making factual statements, the goal of cartoons is to entertain, provoke thought, inspire, or emotionally engage the audience. They stimulate the imagination, offering more than just information—they prompt reflection and emotional responses. As powerful tools of visual communication, cartoons possess an inherent ability to uncover and highlight social issues. their importance in articulating key elements of national identity, making them a valuable medium for exploring and expressing cultural and political narratives.
When you start reading a cartoon, the process is similar to how you would examine any image—you focus on the details. Pay close attention to every element because cartoonists often rely on symbols, which are drawings that carry special meanings beyond their literal appearance. For instance, some symbols, like Uncle Sam, stand for groups of people, nations, or specific places. Others are used to convey abstract ideas. A familiar example is the image of a blindfolded woman holding a set of scales, a well-known symbol of justice, representing fairness and impartiality.
To make their message clearer, cartoonists often incorporate words alongside their illustrations. Labels are one tool they use to identify the main symbols, ensuring readers understand what each element represents. Captions provide a concise summary of the cartoon’s overall message, helping to connect the visual elements with the intended commentary. Additionally, speech bubbles or dialogue allow characters within the cartoon to “speak” on behalf of the artist, further reinforcing the intended meaning. By combining visual details with textual cues, political cartoons deliver complex messages in a format that is both engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to explore the layers of meaning hidden within the artwork.
Once you’ve identified the key symbols in a political cartoon, the next step is to analyse how they are being used. Some of the figures might be caricatures—artistic representations that exaggerate or distort certain physical features to emphasise traits or characteristics. These caricatures can convey positive or negative connotations, depending on the cartoonist’s perspective or critique. For example, a caricature of a politician might amplify their expressions to make them seem more commanding, foolish, or sinister, aligning with the artist’s viewpoint.
Strong reactions
It’s also important to consider the emotional or psychological impact of the symbols on the viewer. Symbols are often chosen for their ability to evoke strong reactions. For instance, imagine high oil prices being depicted as a menacing shark. The immediate impression might be one of danger, greed, or a predatory force, reflecting the artist’s negative stance on the issue. By examining these choices, you can gain insight into how the cartoonist interprets the problem and aims to influence the audience.
The final step in interpreting a political cartoon is to reflect on your own perspective. Consider whether the cartoon has influenced your views. Has it altered the way you think about the issue? Do you agree or disagree with the message being conveyed? Perhaps the cartoon even brings an issue to your attention that you hadn’t previously considered. Engaging with political cartoons in this way not only helps you understand the artist’s message but also encourages critical thinking about the issues they highlight.
Political cartoons are best appreciated by readers who possess a basic understanding of the events or issues being depicted. Without this context, the deeper meaning or humor may be lost. For instance, if you were unaware that rising gasoline prices have led many Americans to alter their driving habits, you might miss the significance of a cartoon using this scenario to comment on U.S.-Middle East relations. The humor or critique embedded in such a cartoon relies on the reader’s awareness of these broader economic and geopolitical dynamics. The same principle applies to historical cartoons. Their impact and relevance are greatly enhanced when the audience has some familiarity with the historical events or issues the cartoon is addressing. A reader who understands the background and significance of events like the American Revolution or the Civil Rights Movement, for example, would be better equipped to grasp the nuances and symbolism in cartoons related to those periods.
In essence, political cartoons function as a bridge between art and commentary, but their effectiveness depends on the reader’s ability to connect the imagery and symbols to real-world knowledge. This interplay of visual storytelling and current or historical context is what makes them both thought-provoking and entertaining for informed audiences.
Cartoonists use symbols to represent ideas, exaggerate issues to emphasise their message, and label objects or people for clarity. Analogies compare complex issues to familiar ones, making them easier to understand, while irony highlights contradictions or absurdities. Captions provide context or summarise the message, and caricatures exaggerate physical traits to emphasise key characteristics. Together, these techniques make cartoons impactful and thought-provoking.
Captions provide additional context or a summary of the cartoon’s message. These can appear as dialogue, thoughts, or a statement at the bottom of the image. Captions guide the reader, ensuring the intended meaning is clear while often adding humor or a punch-line.
