Question

Study the editorial cartoon by Ann Telnaes.

3 cows are behind a fence with the sign "Slaughter" and an arrow pointing right. One cow holds a sign that reads "Eat less meat. Grow more crops." Another cow says "He says he is doing his part to alleviate the rising food prices."

Which element contributes most to the effectiveness of this cartoon?

the sign on the fence
the size of the cow's sign
the cow holding the sign
the fence holding the cows i

Answer 1

the cow holding the sign

Because the unexpected, anthropomorphic image of a cow protesting “Eat less meat. Grow more crops.” creates the cartoon’s irony and humor — it’s what makes the message striking and effective.