Analyzing Propaganda Posters 1 The SloganMessage A propaganda

Analyzing Propaganda Posters

1. The Slogan/Message A propaganda poster conveys a simple message or point of view about an issue or problem.

2. The Audience The makers of the poster very carefully try to target a certain audience trying to get certain groups of people do certain things. What group or groups does the poster target?

3. Symbols A symbol is anything that stands for some other thing, person, or idea. What objects in the poster are symbols?

4. Exaggeration and distortion • What symbols or other objects are exaggerated or distorted? • That is, which ones are shown as much larger or smaller than they actually are? • What symbols or other objects are “distorted” in other kinds of ways – for example, by being made to look funny, ugly, etc. ?

5. Stereotypes • A stereotype is a toosimple view of some group. Sometimes they are insulting. • What stereotypes are used in the poster? Are they used unfairly, or are they used simply to help the poster make its point?

6. Caricature • Caricature is the portrayal of an individual in an exaggerated or distorted way. Is caricature used in the poster? • If so, does it help to make an important point about the person portrayed?

7. Background Knowledge • A reader usually needs to know certain things about an issue in order to understand a poster on that issue. What kinds of background knowledge does the reader seem to need to make sense of the poster you are studying?

7. Background Knowledge • In other words, what questions do you need answered to understand this poster?

8. Color • Some colors usually create a warm or energetic mood – reds and yellows for example. • How do the colors of the poster affect your impression of the poster?

8. Color • Others convey a cool or calm feeling such as blue and green. But colors can affect us in a large number of ways.

10. The Overall Effect What impact will the overall effect of the poster have on its audience?