Lesson Overview & Objectives
Title: Visual Literacy in Times of Conflict — Interpreting Political Cartoons
Audience: Upper-secondary
Duration: Flexible
Disciplinary Lens: Media Literacy, Social Studies, Ethics, Global Citizenship, Art Analysis
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Analyze the visual rhetoric and symbolism in a complex political cartoon.
- Explain how contemporary events—specifically the Israel–Gaza conflict—influence political art.
- Evaluate the social and ethical messages embedded in satirical imagery.
- Reflect on the responsibilities of individuals and societies in response to global crises.
- Articulate nuanced perspectives on the power and limitations of political cartoons as commentary.
1. Context of the Cartoon
This illustration above was published by The Guardian in November 2024 as part of its opinion cartoon series. It was created during the height of international coverage of the Israel–Gaza war, which had intensified with high civilian casualties, displacement, and global humanitarian concern. The cartoonist’s choice to contrast Santa with missile trails is an intentional, provocative juxtaposition pointing to moral dissonance: celebrations continue for some while suffering intensifies for others.
2. Symbolism
Santa stands for peace, hope, and generosity—universal values associated with the holiday season. The missile-filled sky represents the harsh reality of war, and the line “Shall we give it a miss this year?” becomes an indictment of a world too fractured for traditional joy.
Individual Task
Essay Prompt for Students
The cartoon “Santa’s dilemma this Christmas” places a familiar holiday figure in a landscape marked by rocket trails and conflict. Write an analytical essay that explores the following questions:
1. Meaning & Message
What message is the cartoon communicating about global conflict, humanitarian suffering, and the erosion of innocence? How do specific visual elements—Santa, the reindeer, the elf, the empty sleigh, and the sky filled with missile trails—shape that message?2. Connection to the Israel–Gaza Conflict
This cartoon was created in response to the Israel–Gaza war. How does understanding this context deepen its meaning? Why might a cartoonist choose to juxtapose a symbol of generosity and peace with imagery associated with warfare and devastation?3. Moral Responsibility
What does the cartoon imply about personal, societal, or global responsibility in times of conflict? Do you believe it is a call to action, a critique of inaction, or a sorrowful acknowledgement of global circumstances?4. Your Own Response
How do you respond emotionally or intellectually to this image? Does the cartoon alter your thinking about the purpose of holidays, the role of global empathy, or the responsibilities of individuals during humanitarian crises?5. The Role of Political Art
What can political cartoons achieve in shaping public consciousness about war? What are their limitations? Reflect on how art, satire, and imagery can illuminate truths that journalism alone may not fully capture.
Guided Discussion After Individual Task
Students share ideas from their essays in small groups, at first focusing on:
- What they noticed first
- Emotional reactions
- Key differences in interpretation
The teacher then convenes the whole group.
Questions for reflection:
- What makes the pairing of innocence and violence such a striking moral contrast?
- Does the cartoon criticise the celebration of holidays during wartime, or is it highlighting the ethical tension between normalcy and suffering?
- What does this image implicitly say about global empathy?
- In the context of the Israel–Gaza war, what does Santa’s hesitation symbolize?
- Should global tragedies reshape how privileged societies celebrate holidays?
Individual Task: U.S. Leadership and Global Conflict Through Political Cartoons
Choose one of the following political cartoons by Ben Jennings (or another related cartoonist if you prefer). Each cartoon comments on the intersection between U.S. political power and major global conflicts, offering a visual critique of leadership, diplomacy, or international responsibility.
- Ben Jennings on Donald Trump’s election win – cartoon (The Guardian, 14 November 2024)
- Ben Jennings on Trump’s proposed Ukraine “peace plan” – cartoon (The Guardian, 20 November 2025)
- Ben Jennings on negotiations to end the war in Ukraine – cartoon (The Guardian, 24 April 2025)
1. Visual Interpretation
Describe the key elements of the image:
- Who is depicted?
- What symbols or metaphors are being used?
- How does the layout, expression, posture, or setting contribute to meaning?
2. Message and Commentary
Analyze what the cartoon is saying about its topic. Consider:
- What critique is being made about U.S. leadership or policy?
- How does the cartoon portray Trump’s role in either the Ukraine conflict or the broader geopolitical landscape?
- What irony, exaggeration, or moral commentary is present?
3. Historical Context
Connect the cartoon to real political events:
- What moment in U.S. politics or global diplomacy does the cartoon respond to?
- What was happening in the Ukraine war at this time?
- How did U.S. decisions, speeches, or political outcomes influence the situation?
Explain how this context deepens your understanding of the cartoon’s message.
4. Ethical and Global Reflection
Reflect on the ethical implications of the cartoon:
- How does U.S. leadership affect global conflicts?
- What responsibility does a powerful nation have in international crises?
- Do you agree with the critique behind the cartoon? Why or why not?
5. The Role of Satire in Politics
Consider what political cartoons can accomplish:
- What can satire reveal that traditional reporting might not?
- How can visual commentary influence public opinion or political awareness?
- What are the limitations of satire when addressing war and diplomacy?
Sources:
Primary cartoon Ben Jennings, Ben Jennings on Santa’s dilemma this Christmas – cartoon, The Guardian, 18 Nov 2024 The Guardian+1
