Cartoon Analysis Help

[BlueYoHo]

Just a sort of Brainstorm of ideas for the following illustration... Analysing is definitely not one of my strengths



All I've done so far is just annotate the obvious.
Like how the general is offering to help them physically sorta but he can't help them emotionally... if you know what I mean.
Also how they have this lifeless and overwhelmed look on there face (the family) as they can't believe and comprehend what's happened.
And obviously how the general is knocking when there is no door, as pointed out by that little snail dude in the corner, mocking him...

Any more suggestions would be appreciated.

[vibs23]

Dont just say whats happening EVALUATE it's significance to the illustrator's purpose- how will it help his argument and contention.

I will add more as i go along...

[BlueYoHo]

Well that's the thing... what the hell is the contention?

The point of the cartoon is showing that the lives of the victims can never be rebuilt like there houses? or something along those lines. would that be the contention?

[vibs23]

The cartoon highlights the despair of the survivors of the bushfire tragedy, this is shown by the rubble of their former house. The old ute, swings for the children and trees symbolise the objects that are influential in a typical family's lifestyle. But in this case, they have all been destroyed, to show the extent to which their lives have been retarded by this tragedy. The chimney that still stands to provide warmth is contrasted with the open surroudning, to create an impression of isolation and loneliness. Despite their adverse condition, the family sit united around a table which suits the author's message that such characteristics will help to rebuild their lives again. The ironic depiction of the 'head of reconstruction' knocking on the only stable object there; the door, signifies that materialistic help will not be enough to repair their lives, but strong values that will bind them together most certainly will.- which is the illustrator's intention.

[vibs23]

There's something to get you started, yeh something along those lines...

[BlueYoHo]

The cartoon highlights the despair of the survivors of the bushfire tragedy, this is shown by the rubble of their former house. The old ute, swings for the children and trees symbolise the objects that are influential in a typical family's lifestyle. But in this case, they have all been destroyed, to show the extent to which their lives have been retarded by this tragedy. The chimney that still stands to provide warmth is contrasted with the open surroudning, to create an impression of isolation and loneliness. Despite their adverse condition, the family sit united around a table which suits the author's message that such characteristics will help to rebuild their lives again. The ironic depiction of the 'head of reconstruction' knocking on the only stable object there; the door, signifies that materialistic help will not be enough to repair their lives, but strong values that will bind them together most certainly will.- which is the illustrator's intention.

Dude you are a legend. This is gold.
Thanks so much man

[vibs23]

When the cartoonist draws something, every object on the graphic is there for a reason. You have to pick the few important ones and suggest how it helps the writer's intention.

[vibs23]

Yeh no worries, try and write some on your own as well to help you develop yourself.  I still think i could have evaulated it better though- too much describing, which is what everyone falls into the trap of doing.

[BlueYoHo]

Yeah but I don't know, I just find it hard to justify why some things are there.
e.g. I looked at the swing, and was like why the hell is that there? And I wasn't able to think of a reason why only the chimney was left standing...

I need more practise I guess.

[BlueYoHo]

Yeah I'm gonna have to.

Btw one more question. Can you think of a reason why the gas tank wasn't damaged either. I know it's ironic somehow...

[vibs23]

Yeah but I don't know, I just find it hard to justify why some things are there.
e.g. I looked at the swing, and was like why the hell is that there? And I wasn't able to think of a reason why only the chimney was left standing...

I need more practise I guess.

Yeh, try reading the paper every day and question every aspect of the images; such as the angle at which it was take and other objects- your analytical skills will improve as you do this from now till the exam.

[BlueYoHo]

Yeah..

Well thanks again 

[vibs23]

I am not sure lol. I guess every object that requires gas in the photo has been destroyed, like the car, the chimney is now useless. So if you can't use gas for any of these objects- theres no use of it being there- despite the fact that it is still intact. Guess it carries a message that everything needs stuff to rely on- in order to work?

[RD]

lol Vibs what'd u get in English again?!

[polky]

The cartoon highlights the despair of the survivors of the bushfire tragedy, this is shown by the rubble of their former house. The old ute, swings for the children and trees symbolise the objects that are influential in a typical family's lifestyle. But in this case, they have all been destroyed, to show the extent to which their lives have been retarded by this tragedy. The chimney that still stands to provide warmth is contrasted with the open surroudning, to create an impression of isolation and loneliness. Despite their adverse condition, the family sit united around a table which suits the author's message that such characteristics will help to rebuild their lives again. The ironic depiction of the 'head of reconstruction' knocking on the only stable object there; the door, signifies that materialistic help will not be enough to repair their lives, but strong values that will bind them together most certainly will.- which is the illustrator's intention.

Dude you are a legend. This is gold.
Thanks so much man

Remember remember REMEMBER to note the effect of the technique on the reader and how the author/artist achieves this.  In the example given by vibs23, he/she talks about "creating an impression of isolation and loneliness", which is good, but you must state explicitly the effect of this impression on the reader.

eg. The chimney that still stands to provide warmth is contrasted with the open surroudning, creating an impression of isolation and loneliness, and evoking a sense of sympathy from the reader for the victims of the bushfires, and leading them to lend their full support to the affected families.

Effect on the reader = reader will lend their support to the affected families
How the artist does this = creates sense of isolation and loneliness which evokes sympathy

The distinction is subtle but important!