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Questions
1. A cartoonist often uses humor to illustrate a news item. What comic device does Dana Summers use to make a point?
a) caricature
b) symbol
c) understatement
d) hyperbole
2. Explain your answer.
3. What two news stories did cartoonist Dana Summers combine to create this cartoon?
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers.
Cartoon by Dana Summers
Answers
1. d) hyperbole: Hyperbole is a figure of speech (or editorial cartoon) in which an author, speaker or cartoonist purposely and obviously exaggerates to an extreme. It is used for emphasis or as a way of making a description more creative and humorous. It is important to note that hyperbole is not meant to be taken literally; the audience knows it’s an exaggeration. (literaryterms .net)
The cartoonist did not use:
a) caricature: A description or characterization that exaggerates or distorts a character’s prominent features, usually for purposes of mockery. For example, a cartoon of a gaunt Abraham Lincoln with a giant top hat, a very scraggly beard, and sunken eyes could be considered a caricature.
b) symbol: An object, character, figure, place, or color used to represent an abstract idea or concept.
c) understatement: Understatement is when a writer/speaker/cartoonist presents a situation or thing as if it is less important or serious than it is in reality. It describes something with less strength than would be expected. (literaryterms .net)
2. When asked about the economy and/or how she would bring down prices during the presidential debate, as well as a local ABC News interview, VP Harris didn’t really answer the question but began her answer each time by saying, “Well, I’ll start with this. I grew up a middle-class kid…” and also said, “I grew up in a neighborhood of folks who were very proud of their lawn…”
3. What two news stories did cartoonist Dana Summers combine to create this cartoon?
Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, is at war with and is believed to be trying to take over the entire country. When he asks the Vice President what she will do about it, she uses the same answer she’s used for various questions on the how she will bring prices down in the U.S. Obviously, she would not have this response to Putin.
