This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson

This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

What is the message of this cartoon?

To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English: Denotation (what you see) Connotation (how it affects its audience) This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

Denotation Four figures are leaving the building. Connotation They represent the ‘Big Four’: Lloyd George, Orlando, Clemenceau (the Tiger) and Wilson. Meaning The Big Four have made the Treaty and believe that they have finished their work. This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

Denotation Clemenceau (’the Tiger’) hears a baby weeping; it is labelled 1940 class (= liable for call-up in 1940). Connotation The child is weeping because he is going to be ‘cannon-fodder’ in 1940. Meaning The Treaty will not bring a lasting peace – there will be another world war in 20 years’ time. This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

Denotation The child is naked. Connotation Nakedness carries connotations of innocence and helplessness. Meaning The war will not be the child’s fault, but the fault of the Big Four and the treaty they have made. This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

Denotation The child has thrown the ‘Peace Treaty’ on the floor. Connotation Throwing something down is an act of anger and despair. Meaning The Treaty is useless because it will not do what a treaty is supposed to do – stop another war happening. This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published) This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

Origin An artist in the Daily Herald. Details A British popular newspaper selling to the working classes. Significance This cartoon suggests that even ordinary British people felt the Treaty was a failure. This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.

Date 17 May 1919. Details Soon after the Treaty was presented to the Germans, but before they agreed to sign it. Significance This was BEFORE the Germans signed the Treaty – it is a sign that British people were already starting to doubt that the treaty was fair. This cartoon by the Australian artist Will Dyson appeared in the Daily Herald on 17 May 1919.