How to Cite a Political Cartoon
Political cartoons can be powerful means of getting the public to view an issue or person in a new light -- or an effective way to voice a strong opinion in a concise, witty way. Especially in today's visual society, a cartoon can attract more readers, and thus influence more people than the pithiest editorial. Knowing how to properly cite a political cartoon is important, since they easily bolster any thesis and show graphically the attitude of the society that produced it.
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Instructions
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Find the author's name. Sometimes this will be printed adjacent to the cartoon, other times there will only be a signature in the corner. Write whatever information you can find last name first, first name, then middle initial.
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Write the title in quotation marks. If it does not have a formal title, use the caption.
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Write "Cartoon."
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Cite the publication or website by either underlining or italicizing it.
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Write the date published in the "day month year" format. If there is no date provided, write "n.d."
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Find the publication's volume, edition and section, if applicable.
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Write the page number with a period, then write "Print" or "Web."
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If the cartoon is online, write the date it was accessed followed by a period. Although unnecessary under MLA 7 rules, if the cartoon cannot be located without it, or if your instructor requires it, put the URL.
A finished citation for the cartoon seen above would look like this:
"The Lion of the Season." Cartoon. "Punch." 25 May 1861. Web. 5 June 2011.
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Tips & Warnings
These are MLA rules. Check with your instructor to verify which style is preferred.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
