Caricature

Etymology of Caricature

The term, caricature, comes from the Italian word, caricatura. It means “an exaggerated portrayal.” Its Italian root is a verb, caricare, which means “to load” or “to exaggerate.”

This etymology reflects the essence of caricature as a form of art or illustration that exaggerates or distorts certain features or characteristics of a person, object, or situation purposefully.

Meanings of Caricature

Caricature as a literary device has various shades of meanings. It could be a portrayal of a figure or a representation of an event. It all depends on the use, shape, form, and even context.

1. Exaggerated Portrayal: It refers to an exaggerated or distorted portrayal of someone or something, emphasizing prominent features or characteristics.
2. Humorous Satire: Caricature means to satirize, using exaggeration or distortion to mock or ridicule individuals, stereotyping them on or about societal issues.
3. Visual Representation: It means to create or make visual representations such as a drawing, painting, or cartoon in which distinct features are distorted for comedic or critical effect.
4. Simplified Depiction: Caricatures are a simplification of complex subjects, condensing them into easily recognizable or iconic symbols, traits, or attributes.
5. Expressive Commentary: It serves as a means of expressive commentary, allowing artists to convey their opinions, critique, or social and political messages through exaggerated and visually impactful representations.
6. Caricature as Entertainment: Caricatures also mean entertainment, providing amusement, laughter, and lighthearted enjoyment through humorous or witty depictions.
7. Caricature in Editorial Cartoons: Editorial cartoons also are used to convey political, social, or cultural commentary, using exaggerated visual representations to make a powerful statement.

Definition of Literary Device of Caricature

Caricature, as a literary device, involves the exaggerated portrayal of characters, objects, or situations to create a humorous or satirical effect. It involves accentuating distinctive features or traits, often to the point of absurdity, to make a pointed commentary on human behavior, societal norms, or cultural stereotypes. Their use adds depth and dimension to literature by employing vivid and exaggerated imagery to evoke laughter, critique, or provoke thought.

Common Examples of Caricatures

Type	Meaning	Example
Political Figures	Caricatures of political figures satirize their physical attributes, mannerisms, or political ideologies, providing humorous commentary.	For example, the caricature of a politician with an exaggerated nose and a pointing finger symbolizes their tendency to make accusatory statements.
Celebrities	Caricatures of celebrities exaggerate their distinctive features or personas, capturing recognizable traits in a humorous or satirical way.	For example, the caricature of a famous actor with exaggerated facial expressions and a signature outfit portrays his/her well-known on-screen persona.
Social Stereotypes	These caricatures depict exaggerated representations of social stereotypes, highlighting and criticizing biases or preconceptions.	For example, the caricature of a snobbish aristocrat with a monocle, a top hat, and an air of superiority mocks the perceived elitism associated with the upper class.
Literary Characters	Caricatures in literature exaggerate characters to embody traits or quirks for comic effect or satirize specific types of individuals.	For example, the caricature of a bumbling sidekick with oversized glasses and clumsy behavior provides comedic relief and highlights their role as a source of comic mishaps.
Cartoon Characters	Many cartoon characters themselves are caricatures, with exaggerated features or characteristics contributing to their comedic appeal.	For example, the caricature of a cartoon character with an oversized head, bulging eyes, and exaggerated limbs adds to their humorous and expressive qualities.
Historical Figures	Caricatures of historical figures highlight key aspects of their personalities or actions through comical or exaggerated representations.	For example, the caricature of a famous inventor with wild hair, a lab coat, and a mischievous smile emphasizes their eccentricity and innovative spirit.
Sports Personalities	Caricatures of sports personalities emphasize their physical attributes, gestures, or mannerisms, often for entertainment or fan art.	For example, the caricature of a sports icon with a muscular physique, iconic pose, and a distinctive celebration move captures their athleticism and recognizable style.
Animals	Caricatures of animals anthropomorphize them, exaggerating traits or behaviors to create humorous or relatable characters.	For example, the caricature of a grumpy cat with an oversized frown, narrowed eyes, and crossed arms, humorously reflects the stereotype of a disgruntled feline.
Everyday People	Caricatures depict everyday people in exaggerated or comical ways, showcasing quirks, fashion styles, or idiosyncrasies for amusement.	For example, the caricature of an ordinary person with a unique hairstyle, exaggerated clothing, and a funny facial expression highlights their distinct personality traits for comedic effect.
Political Cartoons	Political cartoons employ caricatures to satirize political events, societal issues, or public figures, conveying powerful messages.	For example, the caricature of a political figure engaged in a controversial act, depicted with exaggerated features and accompanied by a witty caption provides a satirical commentary on the issue at hand.

These examples demonstrate the wide range of subjects that can be caricatured, showcasing how this literary device is used to create humor, satire, or social critique in various forms of artistic expression.

Literary Examples of Caricatures

1. Caricature: Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Extract: QUINCE: Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful.

BOTTOM: Not so, neither. But if I had wit enough to get out of this wood, I have enough to serve mine own turn. (Act 3, Scene 1)

Explanation: Bottom, a character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is a caricature of an overconfident and pompous amateur actor. He constantly makes foolish and grandiose statements, showcasing his lack of self-awareness. His exaggerated behavior and inflated sense of importance create comedic moments and serve as a humorous critique of amateur actors who overestimate their talents.

• Caricature: Malvolio in Twelfth Night

Extract: SIR TOBY: Confine? I’ll confine myself no finer than I am. These clothes are good enough to drink in, and so be these boots too. An they be not, let them hang themselves in their own straps! (Act 1, Scene 5)

Explanation: Malvolio, a character in Twelfth Night, is a caricature of a prudish and self-righteous steward. He is depicted as overly formal and stern, often speaking in a pompous and self-important manner. His exaggerated puritanical behavior, such as his disdain for revelry and his ridiculous self-imposed restrictions, creates comedic moments and offers a satirical commentary on self-righteousness and the absurdity of rigid social conventions.

• Caricature: Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Extract: “She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of the neighbourhood nor to his leaving his parish occasionally for a week or two to visit his relations.” (Chapter 56)

Explanation: Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a caricature of a haughty and overbearing aristocrat. She is portrayed as domineering, opinionated, and condescending towards those she considers beneath her. Her exaggerated sense of entitlement, intrusive nature, and disdain for social mobility serve as a satirical representation of the rigid class structure and snobbery prevalent in the society of the time.

• Caricature: Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Extract from the Novel: “Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society.” (Chapter 13)

Explanation: Mr. Collins is a caricature of an obsequious and pompous clergyman. He is depicted as lacking self-awareness, overly formal in his speech, and constantly seeking to please his social superiors. His exaggerated behavior, sycophantic nature, and misplaced pride offer a humorous critique of social climbing and the superficiality of certain societal norms in the novel.

Suggested Readings

1. Sontag, Susan. Against Interpretation and Other Essays. Picador, 1966.
2. Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty and Sara Harsayam. The Post-Colonial Critic: Interviews, Strategies, Dialogues. Edited by Sarah Harasym, Routledge, 1990.
3. Warren, Austin and Rene Wellek. Theory of Literature. University of Nebraska Press, 1956.
4. Wimsatt, W. K., and Monroe C. Beardsley. The Verbal Icon: Studies in the Meaning of Poetry. University Press of Kentucky, 2011