VISUAL ARGUMENT ASSIGNMENT

To start off, we observe images containing visual rhetoric pretty much every
day. And so did I. From advertisements to posters to music videos, it is present
everywhere. The image, which I am using for this assignment, was exceptionally
creative and powerful at the same time. But, what exactly makes it so awe-inspiring,
you may ask? Well, to begin with, the artist performed an excellent job of using
certain elements that we discussed in class. To begin with, the artists use of
description is well evident as the picture speaks for itself. In fact, the description
sort of entails a metaphor or analogy within it. The trees are portrayed in the
shape of our lungs, the analogy being that the trees are the lungs of the earth. Since,
lungs require oxygen and trees are the only source of oxygen, the picture places an
emphasis on promoting awareness to stop deforestation. Meanwhile, the artist also
uses proportion to make the problem even more clear. As soon as I saw the image,
the first things that caught my attention was the trees in the shape of our lungs. This
enlargement of the trees was a crafty use of proportion that made the subject or the
content of the image quite explicit. In addition to the above stated elements, the
author also Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. A sense of urgency is created as the image is
portrayed as somewhat sorrowful. Thus, once ethos is created, the image calls for
logic-which simply is the fact that the more trees we cut, the more lung cells of the
earth we kill. And, finally, the logo of the WWF or the World Wildlife Fund
establishes credibility as the image and the message behind it is being advocated for
by a legitimate organization. Therefore, using these and other elements, the artist
does an excellent job in presenting a critical situation in a simple yet powerful way.
We not only feel the urge to protect our environment, and in an extension ourselves,
but rather act upon it even more readily. The burnt off trees reminds us that a part
of our lungs, and a part of us, is shrinking each day as well.
In addition to these elements however, I also answered some of the questions
that we discussed when evaluating such visual rhetoric. One of the more interesting
questions to me was, What can you accomplish with a visual argument that you
cannot accomplish with a verbal argument? this question entails some of the other
ones as well like- What was the purpose, or Who is the target audience, and What
kind of genre is it? So, the image that I selected is simply a poster issued by the
World Wildlife Fund. The poster is just an image with the words, Before its too
late. These four words are enough to urge people to take responsibility. The
intended audience would probably be just about every person on this earth. Its an
image- a 5-year could understand it and so would a 65-year old. The image conveys
the argument that when one sees part of the rainforest gone, we realize the serious
implications of rapid deforestation. Lectures and informational flyers have too much
words which we dont pay attention to but a picture always catches our eye. The
purpose of this poster is simply what I have reiterated a couple times before- Save
trees, Save Humanity- A simple, realistic & powerful message. The image has a
serious tone to it and thus, I believe that anyone who sees it will at least appreciate
the message and concern if not act on it. With that, this analysis comes to an end.
While I do realize I have redundant a bit throughout, the message is recurring as
well. This image definitely had an influence on me and I was a bit taken aback seeing
the trees burnt/cut down. I hope the image and this analysis was enjoyable!