Cartoons, Caricatures, and Propaganda
The Art of Political Satire

The Art of Political Satire

The Art of Political Satire

Editorial cartoons are symbolic illustrations that make a witty or humorous comment on social issues, events, and public figures. Artists use them to observe, report, disturb, amuse, and attack. They can be wise, unruly, witty, and crude. And they can tell us a lot about ourselves and the way people felt throughout history – for good or for bad.  

To do so, cartoonists use several strategies and techniques to illustrate their point of view.

Exaggeration

Artists might exaggerate the physical characteristics, gestures, and behaviours of important public figures.

Question

Notice any facial features or gestures that seem overblown in the cartoons above? What point do you think the cartoonist is trying to make?

Newton McConnell, circa 1910, C 301-0-0-0-950, Archives of Ontario, I0008887. (This image has been altered for clarity)

"He won't be happy until he gets it"

Newton McConnell, circa 1910, C 301-0-0-0-950, Archives of Ontario, I0008887. (This image has been altered for clarity)
Newton McConnell, circa 1911, C 301-0-0-0-488, Archives of Ontario, I0006459. (This image has been altered for clarity)

"Under the mistletoe, but..."

Newton McConnell, circa 1911, C 301-0-0-0-488, Archives of Ontario, I0006459. (This image has been altered for clarity)

Personification

Shown here is Canada and the United States embodied as two people. This effect is a personification. “Uncle Sam” is trying to steal a kiss from “Miss Canada” under the mistletoe.

Listen to 16 years old Jessica's reaction to this cartoon:

Symbolism

Cartoonists will also use familiar allegories, symbols, and metaphors to show political events in an entertaining and accessible way.

Question

In this cartoon, what two situations are being compared? Does this make the cartoonist’s point more clear to you?  

Newton McConnell, circa 1915 - 1914, C 301-0-0-0-149, Archives of Ontario, I0006055. (This image has been altered for clarity)

Miss U.S. Democracy's new annexation Easter hat

Newton McConnell, circa 1915 – 1914, C 301-0-0-0-149, Archives of Ontario, I0006055. (This image has been altered for clarity)
Newton McConnell, circa 1910

We'll have to stand together, for if he gets you, he'll get me next"

Newton McConnell, circa 1910

Captions

Cartoon captions typically appear below the image. But they can also appear on objects or people in the cartoon. This helps to clarify what they stand for. Watch out for the different labels that appear in some of the cartoons.

In this cartoon, Bear labelled “Free Trade Bruin,” is about to devour two men (labeled “farmers” and “workmen”). The caption writes: “The workman: We’ll have to stand together, for if he gets you, he’ll get me next”

Question

Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?

The decisions a cartoonist makes when characterizing a public figure or newsworthy event presents a view of the world shaped by their own experience, culture, politics, and gender. 

While their presence in popular culture may appear benign, editorial cartoons can encourage readers to form opinions, feel various emotions, and make certain decisions.

About Newton McConnell

Vancouver Sun, July 20, 1925

Newton McConnell, 1877-1940

Vancouver Sun, July 20, 1925

Many of the cartoons you’ll see throughout this exhibit were drawn by editorial cartoonist Newton McConnell (1877-1940). He was a well known artist in his day, drawing political and public figures for conservative newspapers like the Toronto Daily News, the Saturday Night, the Morning Leader, and the Vancouver Sun. 

His cartoons were capable of stating the policy of the paper in a single shout. As such, many of his cartoons mock Liberal political figures and decisions.

cropped-I0006044-dog.png
Can you spot, Spot?

As you’re looking through the cartoons, see if you can spot Spot – a little white dog with black ears. This is McConnell’s dog, who becomes a signature or mascot in his cartoons.

Can you find all the Spots in the cartoons throughout the exhibit?

Sopt sitting
Spot barking to people
Spot sitting on the ground
Spot in grass
Spot smirking
Spot
Spot looking
Spot thinking

Can you find all the Spots here in Newton McConnell’s cartoons?