College Composition II Assignment 2

The New Yorker Cover #3609 From November 1

st
, 2004
Brian Miller
Madonna University




Interpretation of Cover #3609 From The New Yorker Magazine

2

Issue #3609 of The New Yorker magazine was published on November 1
st
of 2004. This
cover depicts four faces set against a plain white background. The faces are arranged
with two of them on top and two on the bottom. Each face is approximately the same
size and occupies its own quadrant on the page. All of the images are the same general
hue, which is a dull brown. It is clear the focus of the cover is simply the four images.
When viewing all four images there is one clear outsider.

When reading the images as you would read a page, (left to right before moving to the
next line) the first three images belong in one group and the last image by itself.
The first three images all depict what is readily identified as a member of the military or a
soldier. All of the soldiers are males. In each of the first three images the soldier is
wearing a military style hat. The fourth image is the one in stark contrast to the other
three.

Among the first three images there are subtle differences. The first image appears to be a
young, healthy male, his face painted camouflage. Although his eyes are barely visible
underneath the brim of his cap, they appear to be focused squarely forward. This
matches the overall feel of this image, which is one of strength and determination.
The second soldier has a more elongated face, which like the first, is also painted
camouflage. However, unlike the first soldier, this soldiers eyes give an impression of
weariness or despair. The expression of the eyes, drawn out face, and slight frown, gives
the impression that the person is tired or apprehensive. The hat that this soldier is
Wat deals
you to say
this? More
explanation
needed.
Interpretation of Cover #3609 From The New Yorker Magazine

3
wearing is also a military style hat but unlike the first is adorned with a symbol. This
symbol gives the appearance that this is a foreign military member.

The third soldier has a face that is the same general shape of the first. Unlike the first
soldier, the camouflage pattern on the face has been replaced with white lines that appear
to be bandages or scars. This soldiers eyes are clearly visible and they show white,
constricted pupils that appear to be staring off into space. The hat this soldier is wearing
is a slightly different style and is adorned with a symbol.

As mentioned above, the fourth person stands in stark contrast to the other three. This
person has a fresh face with more defined facial features such as full lips, a more defined
nose and ears. A pair of sunglasses conceals this persons eyes, and their face has no
markings, only smooth unblemished skin. Based on the reflection in the sunglasses, the
person appears to be looking down a long roadway that runs off into the distance.

This issue of The New Yorker (and cover) is notable because not only was it published in
a presidential election year but it also came out just days before voters were to decide
whether to re-elect President George W. Bush or choose his opponent, Senator John
Kerry. I believe that the timing of the publication, the military imagery on the cover, and
they fact that there are four images (explained later) indicate this cover should be taken in
the context of the presidential election and the war in Iraq.

So is this an
anomaly or a
opposite?
What leads gothic? Just
the date of the cover?
Nothing in the images?
Interpretation of Cover #3609 From The New Yorker Magazine

4
In viewing the cover, I believe there is a great deal of significance in the fact there are
four images and four years in a presidential term. I believe that each image represents a
year in President George Bushs first term in relation to the situation in Iraq.

If each image were taken chronologically, the first image of the young, focused, fresh-
faced soldier would represent the first year of Bushs presidency (2001). A strong
military has always been a hallmark of the Republican Party and a common rally cry
while on the campaign trail. With a Republican taking office for the first time in 8 years,
the country could expect a focus on the military.

The events of 9/11 began the war on terrorism and in late 2001 that the United States
Government began planning an invasion of Iraq and making a case that Iraq possessed
weapons of mass destruction. With military action imminent, the soldier depicted in the
first image would accurately represent this period in time.

The second image in the sequence is that of the weary foreign soldier, this would
represent the year 2002. The shape of the face and the hat worn by this soldier
differentiates him from that of the first and the third. It was in 2002 that military action
was approved and that the war in Iraq began. Since the political debate at the time of The
New Yorker cover circled around the Iraq War and its legitimacy, I believe the second
image represents the Iraqi Military, or more broadly, the country of Iraq and Saddam
Hussein.

Develop this connection more.
What is it within the image that
leads to this assertion?
Is there anything else that might lead you to this
conclusion besides the date?
Interpretation of Cover #3609 From The New Yorker Magazine

5
The third and final military image is that of the scarred and steely-eyed soldier. This
image would represent the year 2003. The third soldier has the same head shape and
facial features as the first, but his face appears thinner. The general similarities of the
first and third soldier make them appear to be the same person. The fact that the third
image is scarred, thinner, and sporting a thousand yard stare lead me to believe he has
been through a war and is showing the effects. This soldier is wearing a more elaborate
hat than the first and this leads me to believe he has progressed through the ranks during
his service in the war.

The year 2003 is the year in which Saddam Hussein was captured and that President
Bush declared, mission accomplished. Although the United States involvement in Iraq
was far from being over, this year could be seen as a turning point in public opinion.
This was viewed by many as the year when the United States should have withdrawn
from Iraq, hence the last appearance of a soldier in the sequence.

The fourth and final image is that of the civilian who appears to be a female. This
image would represent the presidential election year of 2004. With the country in the
midst of a presidential campaign, and more divided than ever, much of the country was
looking forward. I think this sentiment is reflected in the stark difference from the
militaristic theme of the first three images to the more informal appearance of the fourth.

This fourth image represents a desire for much of the country to distance itself from the
war in Iraq and President Bush. I believe this point is hammered home by the difference
Interpretation of Cover #3609 From The New Yorker Magazine

6
in which the eyes are portrayed in the fourth image. In the fourth image we are offered a
reflection in the sunglasses worn by the person. In the glasses you can see an open
road ahead. I believe this is a sign that the person in image four is looking ahead and
looking forward to distancing themselves from the last four years.



A very good start. In the next
draft give us more from the cover
that contextualize your
assertions. See my comments.
Questions?

B+\A-