This cartoon the Gap in the Bridge was

This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 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 – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).

Denotation A bridge, representing the League of Nations, with the keystone missing. Connotation The bridge is not complete and will collapse without the keystone. Meaning The League is weak. This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).

Denotation The keystone has USA on it. Connotation America has not yet joined the League of Nations. Meaning Without America as a member, the League will fail. This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).

Denotation Under the bridge is a deep, dark chasm. Connotation If the bridge collapses, the world will fall into disaster. Meaning Without the League, there will be another war. This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).

Denotation A sign says the Bridge was designed by Wilson, but ‘Uncle Sam’ is asleep. Connotation ‘Asleep’ has connotations of negligence/ blame/ uncaring-ness. Meaning America is being negligent/ hypocritical by failing to join. This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).

Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published) This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).

Origin Leonard Ravenhill, in the magazine Punch. Details A British political cartoonist making a comic/political comment. Significance It is criticising the American position/ delay in joining. This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).

Date 10 December 1919. Details Three months BEFORE the US Senate finally voted to reject the Treaty and the League. Significance It is an attempt to shame the Senate into joining the League by prophesying disaster if it doesn’t. This cartoon – ‘the Gap in the Bridge’ – was drawn by Leonard Ravenhill, political cartoonist for the British magazine Punch (10 December 1919).