Educator Resources

Analyze a Cartoon

Sammy EagleDownload the illustrated PDF version. (PDF)

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Meet the cartoon.

Cartoon

  • What do you see?
  • Is the cartoon black and white or color?
  • Is there a caption?
  • If so, what does the caption tell you?

Observe its parts.

  • Are there people, symbols, or objects in the cartoon? Circle all that apply.
    People Symbols Objects
  • What are the people doing in the cartoon?
  • What are the objects used for in the cartoon?
  • Write two words that describe the cartoon.

Try to make sense of it.

Answer as best you can; the caption, if available, may help.

  • What do the symbols stand for in the cartoon?
  • Who drew the cartoon?
  • When do you think this cartoon was drawn?
  • What is the main idea of the cartoon? List two parts (words or objects from the cartoon) that support the main idea.

Use it as historical evidence.

  • Where do you think you could find out more information about the people, symbols, or objects in the cartoon?

CC0 Materials created by the National Archives and Records Administration are in the public domain.

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