This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low

This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

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 British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Denotation Hitler and Stalin are tied at the ankle, as in a three-legged race. Connotation Tied = allied/ bound to each other/ co-workers/ friends. Meaning Germany and Russia are allied by the Nazi-Soviet Pact of August 1939. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Denotation The relationship is all smiles, hugs and flowers. Connotation ‘Everything in the garden is rosy’. Meaning Hitler and Stalin are giving the impression that they are very happy with their alliance. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Denotation Hitler and Stalin stroll down the ‘Eastern Frontier’. Connotation Since the conquest and division of Poland, Germany and Russia shared a frontier. Meaning They got what they wanted … but now they have to live next-door to each other. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Denotation They both carry a gun behind their back. Connotation Guns = war, attack. Meaning Although they are pretending to be allies, BOTH are merely waiting the chance to attack and destroy the other. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Denotation The title reads: ‘Someone is taking someone for a walk’. Connotation This has overtones of deceit – today we would say: ‘taking them for a ride’. Meaning Low invites the reader to decide who is deceiving whom; the answer is that they are both equally evil (though it was Hitler who broke the pact and invaded Russia in 1941). This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published) This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Date 21 October 1938. Details On 30 September 1939, Germany and Russia had signed a treaty dividing Poland between them. Significance Low is reacting to the successful conquest of Poland. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.

Origin The British cartoonist David Low. Details Low hated Hitler. Significance Low gets gleeful delight from the fact that – though Hitler and Stalin had taken Poland – they now lived next to a treacherous neighbour, who one day would try to kill them. This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low was published in the Evening Standard newspaper on 21 October 1939.