Visual Analysis

Assignment Guidelines

Compose a rhetorical analysis of the image you selected. Remember, your essay should argue for a particular interpretation of the image.

1. Select an image from the pdf (one)
2. Consider the following elements of your image:

• The rhetorical situation of the image, including the author, audience, purpose, context, tone, genre, design, constraints, and exigence
• The rhetorical strategies, or how the image is composed to produce a specific effect (use of color, layout, contrast, etc.)
• The rhetorical appeals (ethos/pathos/logos), or ways the image seeks to engage its audience

1. Compose a thesis that argues your interpretation (i.e. a particular way of viewing the image) based on the choices made in its construction. See the Introduction to Visual Analysis page and PowerPoint and the Creating Your Thesis folder posted in the current module.
2. Support your thesis by describing and analyzing various elements of your image (see #2 above) that support your overall argument about the image. (Give an example and then explain the example and how it relates to the image.)
3. Conclude by reinforcing the key points and highlighting why the conversation is important to your audience.

Requirements

• A thesis that argues for a specific interpretation of the image you selected
• No 1st or 2nd person
• Several detailed supporting examples from the image that explain the rhetorical appeals at work
• A clear connection between your way of viewing this image and its context
• An explanation of how or if your interpretation of the image fits its companion article’s use or interpretation. This will require quoting and/or paraphrasing from the article to substantiate your claim.
• The only sources used in this essay should be your approved image.
• A coherent organizational structure that supports your thesis (with introduction and conclusion)
• A strong sense of audience
• 2-3 double-spaced pages (750-1,000 words)
• MLA documentation for all sources (including the image) through in-text citation and a Works Cited page

Visual Analysis Outline

As you begin the process of drafting your Visual Analysis essay, keep in mind the requirements of the assignment:

• A brief introduction that includes the title of the photo or a reference to the ad you are discussing and a brief (3-4 sentences) description of it so that the reader knows what you are referring to.
• A thesis that argues for a specific interpretation of the image/a statement of the ad’s message
• Separate paragraphs that explain the rhetorical strategies + several detailed supporting examples from the image in each paragraph
• A clear connection between your way of viewing this image and its context
• A coherent organizational structure that supports your thesis (with introduction and conclusion)
• A strong sense of audience (Assume that the reader has not seen the image.)
• MLA citation for all sources in attached works cited page. In this paper, your image is your source.
• Proofreading and MLA formatting

Based on those expectations, consider the following outline as a guide to how to compose and organize your essay:

1. Introduction: Be sure the thesis and general background information about the image is introduced here (e.g. the artists name, date, general theme, etc). You also want to make sure readers have a general sense of the visual and/or rhetorical appeals the artist/photographer uses to engage the audience. DO NOT copy and paste the image into the paper.
2. Provide a full description of the image, emphasizing the elements of the image that are most significant to your analysis (e.g. the colors; the descriptions of the landscape, people, buildings, etc,; the words and/or font; location)
3. Analyze each element of the image that contributes to your overall argument/point about the image. This may also be a good space to address the rhetorical appeals used by the artist. For instance, you could discuss the symbolism of the color palette and how those choices represent the artists appeal to pathos. You have options; however, you must ensure that your analysis extends beyond a description of the elements of the image. You must analyze each element of the image in ways that support your thesis.
4. Do NOT confine your entire analysis to one paragraph. Instead, each component of your image should be analyzed in its own paragraph. For instance, you may have one paragraph addressing the color palette, another paragraph analyzing the representation of the people on the image, and perhaps a final paragraph analyzing ways in which nature is represented.
5. You also do NOT have to confine your analysis to 3 main elements. Just keep in mind that you want to include enough analysis to adequately support your argument in the amount of space allotted (approximately 750 words). So, use your best judgment.
6. Add a concluding paragraph that does NOT introduce new information. Instead, highlight the key points of your analysis and why the subject matter is important. Reinforce your thesis, giving your essay a stronger sense of purpose.
7. Make sure you add a Works Cited page. Then proofread while also locating opportunities to strengthen your word choice and sentence structure. You should also consider the use of effective transitional words and phrases throughout the essay.