Grammar for Writing: Level Orange — Chapter 16

The Art and the—Ouch!—Power of Political Cartoons "The Tammany Tiger in the Arena"; cartoon by Thomas Nast, Harper's Weekly, Nov. 11, 1871. Political cartoonists wield a powerful weapon in the war against tyranny, corruption, inept government, and social injustice. Their weapon is the pen; and their ammunition includes wickedly sharp satire, merciless caricature, and clever use of symbols. Thomas Nast's Tammany Tiger (right) became an enduring symbol of political corruption and helped bring down "Boss" William M. Tweed's Tammany Hall in New York City in the 1870's. These cartoons prove that the pen can truly be mightier than the sword. Investigate a serious political, environmental, or economic situation that is either national or global in scope or that involves your own hometown or neighborhood. Then either: (1) draw two political cartoons that reflect different sides of the issue or (2) write a compare-and-contrast essay explaining how different cartoonists have satirized those involved or the issue itself. Try to find cartoons that reflect opposing views. If possible, include examples of the cartoons you analyze. Please note: Some political cartoons may not be appropriate for a school project. If you plan to draw cartoons, first have your teacher approve your preliminary sketches. If you plan to write an essay, have your teacher approve in advance the cartoons you choose to compare and contrast. STEP 1: Initial Search Begin your research with visits to the following websites: Boondocks A modern political cartoon series. Politically Correct A modern political cartoon series by Jim Huber. Cartoons by Andrew Johnson and Thomas Nast and others Search for information on both the techniques of drawing political cartoons and the topic that most interests you. Take notes on elements used in such cartoons – humor, sarcasm, satire, symbols and caricature – and events, people, and issues. Download cartoons as reference as you draw your own cartoons. Use cluster diagrams to organize the details you have discovered, then choose cartoons representing the views that most engage you. (See Grammar for Writing, Level Orange, page 11.) Look for dramatic drawing styles, stinging caricatures, and unique symbols in the cartoons you research. STEP 2: Narrow Your Search Search the Internet for more information and explore other resources, such as newspaper and magazine articles and opinion pages, and editorial cartoon collections. Occasionally, statements by those involved in a controversy or event inspire a cartoonist, so be sure to note comments by key people. STEP 3: Define Your Audience Make your cartoons or essay interesting to a general audience. In this case, your audience is readers of your local newspaper or magazine. The audience may know something about the issue; your cartoons or essay will help them see different viewpoints on it and teach them how political cartoons can depict very different opinions. STEP 4: Apply Prewriting Techniques If you draw cartoons: The best political cartoons are satirical, biting, funny, and sharp. You need only one line, or perhaps a caption and a few lines of dialogue in a "speech balloon" to make your point. Sometimes you need no words at all. If you use only one line, make it concise and pointed. Freewrite line after line, until you finally write the one you will use. (See Grammar for Writing, Level Orange, page 10.) If you write an essay: Make a three-column chart in which you list similarities, differences, and drafts of the main idea. The main idea will become the first paragraph of your essay. If you are writing a compare-and-contrast essay, use your chart to develop a first paragraph that states the idea in an intriguing way. The following paragraphs explore the similarities and differences depicted in the cartoons. Remember to use parallel structure. Write a conclusion that sums up your findings. (To review parallel structure, see Grammar for Writing, Level Orange, pages 163-164.) Editorial cartoonists state a point of view in a dramatic, satirical, attention-grabbing way. When you research the topic you chose and look for political cartoons, collect background information on all viewpoints on the topic. The more you know, the more powerful your cartoon statement will be. If you are comparing cartoons, extensive research will give you a deeper understanding of the issue and insight into the cartoonists' work. STEP 5: Organize Your Facts and Ideas If you draw cartoons: Group the information you have collected into ideas for four cartoons. Choose the two that best express the approaches you want to take. Then decide the drawing style: for example, pen-and-ink line drawings, full color, or stick figures. Use the same style for all three cartoons. Make a rough draft or pencil sketch of each cartoon. Review the size and placement of characters, speech balloons, and captions. If you write an essay: Group and list information that supports various points of view depicted by the satirical cartoons you have selected to compare and contrast. "Until next year..."; Cartoon by John S. Pritchett. STEP 6: Revise, Edit, and Proofread Your Writing If you draw cartoons: Ask a friend or family member to look at your cartoons and explain what he or she understands the topic to be and the slant of each cartoon. If you write an essay: Be sure your lead paragraph and conclusion give readers a clear understanding of how the cartoons are the same and how they are different. Check to see that you used parallel structure in sentences that describe the similarities and differences. Edit your captions or essay for grammatical errors; then proofread your work carefully for spelling, punctuation, and capitalization errors. STEP 7: Publish Your Work Add a title to your cartoon series or essay. Display your work on poster board. Your teacher may wish to create a display of the cartoons and essays and invite other classes to view your work. Copyright ©2007 by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved.