i have to analyze a political cartoon. it appeared during the American Revolution by Benjamin Franklin.
it shows a snake broken into many parts. each part has a initial of a state like., NY, NC, P, NE, V, M.etc
on the bottom it says JOIN or DIE.
i have to
1. what do the segments of the snake represent. how do you know
obviously they represent states, i know because of the initials.
2. what is the message of the cartoon.
im really not sure but i think it is showing that the snake is in manyh parts and the parts should either JOIN or the snake would DIE. ???
3. what makes this an effective cartoon???
thnks for your help!
Check this site.
http://www.foundingfathers.info/stories/gadsden.html
1. To determine what the segments of the snake represent, you correctly noted that they represent states. The initials next to each segment are the abbreviations for different American states during the time of the American Revolution. For example, NY represents New York, NC represents North Carolina, P represents Pennsylvania, NE represents New England, and so on. These initials help identify the specific states being represented.
2. The message of the cartoon, as you suggested, is that the snake, representing the American colonies, needs to unite or it will face destruction. The phrase "JOIN or DIE" written at the bottom of the cartoon emphasizes this point. It implies that if the states do not unify, they will not survive the challenges they face, such as their struggle for independence from Britain.
3. There are a few factors that make this cartoon effective:
a. Visual representation: The image of a snake broken into various segments is a strong visual metaphor for the divided colonies. It effectively communicates the idea that unity is necessary for survival.
b. Simplistic symbolism: The use of the initials next to each state segment provides a simple yet clear representation of the specific states involved. This allows viewers to easily understand which states are being referred to.
c. Emotional impact: The phrase "JOIN or DIE" at the bottom of the cartoon adds an emotional appeal. It creates a sense of urgency and fear, emphasizing the consequences of not uniting.
d. Historical context: Knowing that this cartoon appeared during the American Revolution, when the colonies were seeking independence from Britain, adds historical significance. The message of unity speaks directly to the challenges faced by the colonies at that time.
Overall, this cartoon is effective because it combines visual representation, symbolism, emotional impact, and historical context to convey a powerful message about the importance of unity during a crucial period in American history.