Exploring the Text

Access the text here.

  1. What precisely is going on in this image? Identify each of the characters, the symbols, and the allusions. What “story” or narrative is Thomas Nast telling?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What precisely is going on in this image? Identify each of the characters, the symbols, and the allusions. What “story” or narrative is Thomas Nast telling?
  2. How do the structure, placement of characters, proportions, and use of space in this visual image contribute to the narrative?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How do the structure, placement of characters, proportions, and use of space in this visual image contribute to the narrative?
  3. What tensions does Nast emphasize in this cartoon? Consider his depiction through its use of both visual images and written text.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What tensions does Nast emphasize in this cartoon? Consider his depiction through its use of both visual images and written text.
  4. Nast uses little humor in this cartoon, yet he does employ caricature. What elements of caricature do you notice? How does caricature contribute to his argument?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Nast uses little humor in this cartoon, yet he does employ caricature. What elements of caricature do you notice? How does caricature contribute to his argument?
  5. How does Nast support his claim that African Americans in the South were facing something “Worse than Slavery”? Explain in terms of evidence presented to prove a claim. Does Nast address a counterargument? Qualify or modify his claim? How persuasive do you think he would have been to readers of Harper’s Weekly in 1874?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How does Nast support his claim that African Americans in the South were facing something “Worse than Slavery”? Explain in terms of evidence presented to prove a claim. Does Nast address a counterargument? Qualify or modify his claim? How persuasive do you think he would have been to readers of Harper’s Weekly in 1874?