Analyzing Visual Texts and Analyzing Visual Texts and ArgumentsArguments

Techniques for Analyzing VisualsTechniques for Analyzing Visuals

We read visuals much the same way as we read We read visuals much the same way as we read traditional texts.traditional texts.

As you analyze visuals consider the following:As you analyze visuals consider the following:– the layout of images,the layout of images,– the inclusion of words with the image,the inclusion of words with the image,– the context of the visual,the context of the visual,– information about the author,information about the author,– the purpose of the visual, the purpose of the visual, – the intended audience for the visual, andthe intended audience for the visual, and– the ways in which the context, audience, and purpose the ways in which the context, audience, and purpose

affect the choice of genre.affect the choice of genre.

Analyzing ImagesAnalyzing Images

Describe the composition: layout, balance, Describe the composition: layout, balance, color, key figures, symbols, and cultural color, key figures, symbols, and cultural references.references.

Based on these descriptions, ask yourself:Based on these descriptions, ask yourself:– What message(s) is being conveyed?What message(s) is being conveyed?– What is the purpose? Who is the audience?What is the purpose? Who is the audience?– What claim(s) can you make about the What claim(s) can you make about the

significance or meaning of the image based significance or meaning of the image based on your interpretations?on your interpretations?

Analyzing the Image Analyzing the Image with with the Textthe Text

Do the visual and text work together?Do the visual and text work together?

How does the visual add to (or distract How does the visual add to (or distract from) the text or vice-versa?from) the text or vice-versa?

How do the words highlight particular parts How do the words highlight particular parts of the visual?of the visual?

How do the words and images work How do the words and images work together (or not) to achieve the central together (or not) to achieve the central purpose for the intended audience?purpose for the intended audience?

Analyzing the Text and the Visuals Analyzing the Text and the Visuals in Contextin Context

In what magazine, essay, newspaper, or on In what magazine, essay, newspaper, or on what website does the visual appear?what website does the visual appear?What might this context tell you about the What might this context tell you about the audience for and purpose of this visual?audience for and purpose of this visual?In what larger social, political, or cultural context In what larger social, political, or cultural context does the visual appear?does the visual appear?Are there conversations (articles, blogs, essays) Are there conversations (articles, blogs, essays) about some of the visuals and their context?about some of the visuals and their context?How does this analysis help you arrive at your How does this analysis help you arrive at your thesis or claim?thesis or claim?

Analyzing Rhetorical Appeals of Analyzing Rhetorical Appeals of VisualsVisuals

Focus on the purpose and audience:Focus on the purpose and audience:– What appeals to logos, to pathos, or to ethos What appeals to logos, to pathos, or to ethos

does the visual make?does the visual make?– How effective are these appeals in achieving How effective are these appeals in achieving

the writerthe writer’s purpose for the intended ’s purpose for the intended audience?audience?

– How does your analysis of these appeals How does your analysis of these appeals affect your understanding of the thesis or affect your understanding of the thesis or claim?claim?

Minutes after her husband's casket arrived at the Reno airport, Katherine Cathey fell onto the flag. When 2nd Lt. James Cathey left for Iraq, he wrote a letter to Katherine that read, in part, "there are no words to describe how much I love you, and will miss you. I will also promise you one thing: I will be home. I have a wife and a new baby to take care of, and you guys are my world." © TODD HEISLER/ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS