The political leaders as depicted by the cartoonists in local newspapers : the caricatures of the PN and MLP leaders published during the political crisis and electoral campaign of 1998

Abstract

The charm and impact of a cartoon lies in its ability to simplify and exaggerate. In an era where media is increasingly fast-paced and visual, the graphic has always proved to be an extremely effective mass of communication. Cartoon effects have always stimulated political parties to use the caricature to overcome their opponents. This dissertation traces the development of Maltese Political satire through cartoons. It examines the literature on the subject, giving a detailed picture of this graphic, journalistic medium. Then, concentrating on the political cartoons that depicted the two leaders during a political crisis and electoral campaign held in Malta in 1998, the work sought to understand the cartoons' impact on the Maltese newspaper readers. Through focus group research, the study sought to understand the cartoons as a communication vehicle, investigating the manifested reaction of the readers and examining whether or not the readers understood the meaning of a cartoon. The study reveals that a cartoon is an effective mode of conveying a message in an original, clear and ironical manner. However, in order to fully understand the cartoon's intended message, the reader has to be well-versed in what is happening around him.