Static Non-Print Analysis
Advertising is the art of convincing people to spend money they don't have for something they don't need. ~Will Rogers
TASK: You will now apply your knowledge of rhetorical analysis to static non-print mediums. Everything you choose must fall within your chosen theme. You will need one of each of the following: political cartoon, advertisement, chart/graph (as it applies to an accompanying print source), and photograph (as it applies to an accompanying print source). You will need to include the visual itself along with a precis and brief analysis (one or two paragraphs).
The following SPATER method for analyzing visual media may be useful to you, but you are not required to use it.
SPATER METHOD (cartoons, photographs, drawings, advertisements, video, other visuals)
1. S – Subject: Analyze the subject of the image. Explore the possibility of a larger, implied subject beyond just the immediate, obvious subject itself. Discuss the context / occasion of the image.
2. P – Purpose: Define the implied and /or explicit purpose of this image. Remember that purpose must go beyond informing and must be connected to a specific action. Examine any political implications of the image. Could the image be considered propaganda? Analyze how the image furthers an agenda.
3. A – Audience: Identify the forum (magazine, newspaper, website) for which the image was created. Analyze how the original placement of the image is connected to audience. Determine whether the audience has changed and / or expanded over time. Describe the characteristics of the primary and secondary audience.
4. T – Tone: Analyze the tone that the creator (photographer / artist / cartoonist) of the image has toward his / her subject. Explain how the tone is communicated to the audience.
5. E – Effect: Analyze the intended effect the image has on the audience. Explore the possible unintended effects of the image.
6. R - Rhetorical Devices / Strategies: Analyze the rhetorical devices (strategies) and appeals (ethos, logos, pathos) implied or made explicit in the image. Explain how those appeals function.
The following SPATER method for analyzing visual media may be useful to you, but you are not required to use it.
SPATER METHOD (cartoons, photographs, drawings, advertisements, video, other visuals)
1. S – Subject: Analyze the subject of the image. Explore the possibility of a larger, implied subject beyond just the immediate, obvious subject itself. Discuss the context / occasion of the image.
2. P – Purpose: Define the implied and /or explicit purpose of this image. Remember that purpose must go beyond informing and must be connected to a specific action. Examine any political implications of the image. Could the image be considered propaganda? Analyze how the image furthers an agenda.
3. A – Audience: Identify the forum (magazine, newspaper, website) for which the image was created. Analyze how the original placement of the image is connected to audience. Determine whether the audience has changed and / or expanded over time. Describe the characteristics of the primary and secondary audience.
4. T – Tone: Analyze the tone that the creator (photographer / artist / cartoonist) of the image has toward his / her subject. Explain how the tone is communicated to the audience.
5. E – Effect: Analyze the intended effect the image has on the audience. Explore the possible unintended effects of the image.
6. R - Rhetorical Devices / Strategies: Analyze the rhetorical devices (strategies) and appeals (ethos, logos, pathos) implied or made explicit in the image. Explain how those appeals function.