MULTIMODAL CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE REPRESENTATION OF THE KURSK OPERATION IN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE POLITICAL CARTOONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to a Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) of the visual representation of the Kursk Operation in Western political cartoons.Through an examination of the semantics of verbal and non-verbal elements of these cartoons and the identification of recurring patterns, five thematic categories are distinguished, within which the Ukrainian counteroffensive of August 2024 is portrayed. The complex analysis of graphical and textual modi makes it possible to identify typical scenarios, established visual tropes, and the core functions of each group of cartoons.The most widespread scenario is the confrontation between the two countries’ leaders—Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Vladimir Putin. The characters are depicted as politicians or military figures and are easily recognizable by their distinctive physical features, symbolic attributes, and verbal elements. The image of the President of Ukraine generally carries a positive or neutral connotation, while his opponent is portrayed in a neutral or clearly negative light. The military aspect is symbolized by the image of a tank, often with the Ukrainian president on it. Another prominent figure in the cartoons is a bear, symbolizing Russia; in most cases, the animal is shown as wounded or defeated.The conducted MCDA demonstrates that political cartoons fulfill various communicative and social functions aligned with the identified thematic categories. Some serve predominantly informative purposes, presenting events in a creative yet neutral manner with minimal stylistic embellishment. However, most examples convey evaluative messages through expressive means, shaping audience perception and signaling support for the Ukrainian side.