The following are useful terms and definitions when examining political cartoons or visual propaganda: 
 
Paradox
A paradox is a statement that holds truth, but is a self-contradiction.
Ex. George Bernard Shaw’s quote, “The truth is the only thing that no one will believe.” 
 
Humor
Humor is important in many editorial cartoons. Irony is one kind of humor. In it, a viewpoint is expressed in such an odd way as to make that view actually seem ridiculous. 
 
Irony
Irony is the difference between the way things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue. 
 
Symbolism
A symbol is any object or design that stands for some other [larger] thing, person, or idea. 
 
Satire  
Satire is a form of humor where the writer or speaker tries to make the reader or listener have a negative opinion about someone, by laughing at them, making them seem ridiculous or foolish etc. If someone is being satirical, their aim is not just to amuse, but to affect the person that they dislike; to hurt them, ruin them, etc. 
To achieve satire, authors may use many literary devices, including caricature, irony, juxtaposition, exaggeration, and parody.  
 
Stereotypes
A stereotype is a simplistic view of some group. It is often insulting, but it can also help the cartoon make its point quickly.
 
 
Point of View 
Either the position from which we look at something or the consequences of looking at something from a particular position, that is, the opinions, judgments, or attitudes that we form.
 
Juxtaposition
Putting things which are not similar side by side 
 
Exaggeration & Distortion
Changes in share or size often add to the cartoon’s point. Distorting an object means changing it in some way to make it look funny, ugly, etc.
 
Caricature 
A portrayal of an individual’s features in an exaggerated or distorted way.
 
Captions
Words are often used to reinforce the cartoon’s nonverbal features. Words help the other parts of the cartoon make one overall point. Famous sayings, slogans, song lyrics, and well-known phrases can be used as captions.” 
 
Labeling
Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for.