Question

Study the editorial cartoon Total Eclipse 2017 by Nate Beeler.

A child's face is half obscured by a tablet he is using in front of him. Behind him, a total eclipse of the sun is happening. A sign reads "Total eclipse 2017."

What is the purpose of this editorial cartoon?

to show that today's kids are interested in learning about astronomical events
to show that technology prevents people from directly experiencing major events
to show how small computers have become with advances in technology
to show that children often do not realize what is going on around them

Answer 1

to show that technology prevents people from directly experiencing major events

The cartoon criticizes how people (here a child) focus on their devices instead of looking at and experiencing a rare, real-world event like the 2017 total solar eclipse.