How to Cite Political Cartoons MLA
Political cartoons are a powerful tool for conveying messages and shaping public opinion. They often serve as a reflection of the political climate and can be a valuable source of information for researchers and students. However, citing political cartoons correctly in MLA format can be challenging. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite political cartoons using the MLA citation style.
When citing a political cartoon in MLA format, it is essential to include all relevant information in the Works Cited list. The format typically includes the following elements:
1. Artist’s Name: The name of the cartoonist should be included in the Works Cited entry. If the cartoonist’s name is not available, use “Anonymous” as the author.
2. Title of the Cartoon: The title of the cartoon should be italicized and placed in quotation marks. If the cartoon does not have a title, you can create a descriptive title that captures the essence of the cartoon.
3. Title of the Publication: The name of the publication in which the cartoon was published should be included in italics.
4. Date of Publication: The date the cartoon was published should be included in parentheses after the title of the publication.
5. URL: If the cartoon is available online, include the URL in the Works Cited entry.
6. Access Date: If the cartoon is accessed online, include the date you accessed the cartoon in parentheses after the URL.
Here is an example of how to cite a political cartoon in MLA format:
Anonymous. “Title of the Cartoon.” Publication Name, Date of Publication, URL. Accessed Date.
For instance:
Anonymous. “The Great Divide.” The New York Times, May 15, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/opinion/political-cartoon-divide.html. Accessed May 20, 2020.
When citing a political cartoon within the text of your paper, you can use the author’s name and the date of publication in parentheses:
In his cartoon “The Great Divide,” Anonymous (2020) illustrates the growing political divide in the United States.
Remember that citing political cartoons in MLA format is crucial for providing proper credit to the cartoonist and ensuring the accuracy of your research. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can effectively cite political cartoons in MLA style and enhance the credibility of your work.
