Multimodal Metaphors in Political Cartoon Discourse About Brexit—Based on “Journey” Metaphor Scenario

Abstract

Based on the perspective of multimodal metaphor, this paper makes an analysis of "Journey" metaphor scenario from a political cartoon concerning with the topic of Brexit in Economist, disclosing the political intention and attitude behind the humorous picture. This political cartoon conveys meanings in a vivid and interesting way with the help of "Journey" metaphor scenario, which combines the visual elements such as portraits of national leaders and iconic signs with news reports, the form of written language, reflecting the process of Brexit. Besides, the metaphor scenario also contains reporters' personal opinions towards the leader's policy of proceeding Brexit potentially. As the platform of hidden political ideologies, multimodal metaphor in political cartoons can be used to affect audience's cognitive judgement towards the political affairs implicitly.