This is my Cartoon Analysis. And thanks to leona for giving me advice on my last LA.
Mark Knight’s first cartoon, featured in the Herald Sun, addresses the recent controversy surrounding the Myki ticketing system. Through his drawing, Knight makes a comment on the ineffectiveness of the system and the government’s lack of understanding and inability to fix it. The cartoon depicts a man hunched over inside a Myki machine, attempting to sort through a jumble of wires; whilst audiences cannot see the man’s face, his briefcase makes it obvious that he is Terry Mulder, Transport Minister. The broken down machine is further depicted with the text, “Out of service”, which readers immediately associate with the system’s failure. Mulder, wearing formal clothes more suitable for parliament, shows his ignorance as he states the obvious in his speech bubble: that Myki is becoming a waste of money and hindering the development of Victoria’s public transport. He is clearly out of depth and does not fit in with the environment of an ordinary train station; suggesting that the Minister has no real experience with everyday public transport and only just realised the extent of Myki’s failure. This is further emphasised in the pig’s sarcastic commentary, “Commuters coulda told you that”.
Knight’s second cartoon is a commentary on the issue of ticket inspectors overstepping the line and abusing their power. The image itself displays an everyday man standing on an ordinary train station; thus bringing Knight’s argument to a more universal level. The man, small and vulnerable-looking, is a stark contrast to the hulking figures lurking the background. Their black cloaks and moustaches are reminiscent of mob-men, intimidating as they stare down their next victim. However, the files they hold are proof of their authority and the excuse for their behaviour. Knight’s use of juxtaposition positions readers to see that the key danger to commuters is actually the people hired to protect them. Knight’s opinion is further emphasised by the ironic sign above the emergency button. It’s not only a humorous inclusion, but also succinctly addresses Knight’s thoughts on the issue: that the government is not taking the matter seriously and not taking firm action to prevent ticket inspectors from taking advantage of their authority. Coupled with the lone man, it is clear that Knight intends to portray a sense of isolation, especially when faced with dangerous situations. Even if there was someone listening on the other side of the emergency line, the system is ineffectual in preventing and resolving crises.
The last cartoon by Mark Knight is a response to the Labor Government’s plans to build a $36 billion National Broadband Network. The focal point of the image is Prime Minister Julia Gillard, distinctly recognisable with her large nose and trademark white suit. Her unflattering image and the exaggeration of her overused ‘open hand’ stance serve to undermine her character and the government’s deal. Knight paints a mockery of the deal through Gillard’s speech bubble; it is sarcastic and suggests that the only benefit of the Network is that Australians will be able to “download nude photos… faster”. Knight’s view is further emphasised by the pig’s incredulous question, “That’s the cost/benefit analysis”. It is clear that Knight believes that the NBN is ineffectual and not valuable, and the negatives far outweigh its positives. The shocked St. Kilda fan in the background adds a humorous touch to the cartoon and enforces the view that the NBN is a joke.
Home
Help
Search
Login
