Study the cartoons (TEXT E and TEXT F) below and answer the set questions.

Question

TEXT E
[10]
Text:
Pothole 1: OMG! The Transport minister has declared war on potholes!! Pothole 2: ... Like government’s war on crime? ... or on cable theft? ... or load
shedding? ... Relax, we have nothing to worry about.
Zapiro. 2023. Tantaraa! 15 August 2023 [Online] (Accessed 13 April 2024).
12

QUESTIONS: TEXT E
4.1
Identify the setting presented in the cartoon.
(1)
4.2
Comment on the use of “facial expressions”. What emotions does this communicate? Refer to BOTH potholes in your answer.
(3)
4.3
Refer to Pothole 2. Explain how pothole 2 undermines the government's message.
(2)
4.4
What is the purpose of the ellipses?
(2)
4.5
Explain the significance of the cartoonist using a single frame and explain how it enhances the cartoon’s message.

Answer 1

4.1 The setting presented in the cartoon is a typical road or street with two potholes talking to each other.

4.2 The facial expressions of the potholes convey a sense of disbelief and amusement. Pothole 1 appears shocked at the news of the Transport minister declaring war on potholes, while Pothole 2 looks sarcastic and dismissive, indicating that they do not take the government's efforts seriously.

4.3 Pothole 2 undermines the government's message by comparing the supposed war on potholes to other unsuccessful government initiatives, such as the war on crime, cable theft, and load shedding. This implies that the potholes do not see the government as reliable or effective in addressing these issues.

4.4 The ellipses, which indicate a pause or trailing off in speech, serve to emphasize the sarcastic and dismissive tone of Pothole 2's response. It adds to the humorous and sarcastic nature of the dialogue between the potholes.

4.5 The use of a single frame in the cartoon allows the cartoonist to present a complete and concise narrative in one image. This enhances the cartoon's message by capturing the skepticism and humor of the potholes' conversation in a quick and impactful way. The single frame also allows the viewer to easily grasp the irony of the situation without the need for multiple panels or excessive detail.