(C)OPTIC: Analyzing Visual Texts CP2 Senior English

Like any written text, an image can convey a message/argument. “Images” can be varied: Graphic Novels Photographs Advertisements Editorial Cartoons Pay close attention to Image Text Color Overall Design (C)OPTIC is an acronym for a step-by-step process for analyzing visuals and coming to a conclusion about the argument they’re trying to make. “Reading” an image

Whenever you try to analyze an argument, you should seek to ask and to answer these questions: Who is writing / speaking? To whom that person is writing / speaking? Why that person is writing / speaking? Thus, you should always provide a brief overview of the image: Who, what, why? (Context) / Overview

(Context) / Overview Published in 1881 in The Wasp, a San Francisco magazine. Publisher: The Wasp, a satirical magazine based in San Francisco. Audience: Citizens of San Francisco Context: After the Gold Rush of 1849, the Chinese were drawn to the West Coast as a center of economic opportunity where, for example, they helped build the first transcontinental railroad by working on the Central Pacific from 1864 to 1869.  The Chinese Exclusion Treaty was passed by Congress in 1880. The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress in 1882.

Parts What aspects of the image draw your attention first? Why? Then, move on to the individual parts; answer these questions: What aspects of the image draw your attention first? Why? What parts are present in the image? How does the layout suggest where to look? Does the photographer / artist frame views of people in close-ups, medium shots, or long shots? From what angle/perspective does the photographer / artist frame the visual? What colors are used in the image? What mood or tone does color portray? Are there any symbols or allusions in the image? Parts

Parts Area of Focus: The Chinese man, who looks inhuman (almost rat-like) Smoking factories in the background The Chinese man’s giant hand Angry protesters, who look like White Anglo-Saxons… A factory, with various boxes and items spilling out of it

What text is present in the visual? To whom / what is it connected? What does the title tell you about the picture? How much does it add to what you understand or do not understand about the picture? Text / Title

Title / Text Title: The Coming Man: Allee sammee Melican Man Monopoleeee Text: “Monopoly” written on the man’s hand Also, various business names written on corresponding parts (Laundries, Box Factory, Clothing Factory, Shirt Manufacturer)

Analyze the relationships in the picture Analyze the relationships in the picture. How do objects or people or colors relate to each other in the picture? What clues to the message or argument are these relationships giving you? What seems to be the most important “relationship” in the picture? Interrelationships

Interrelationships The Chinese man is larger than everything else; the artist made his hand gigantic, so as to bring focus on the fact that he’s holding or hiding all of the parts that are falling out of the factory. The bleak background and protesters show anger and fear. The title—The Coming Man—as well as the subtitle—Allee sammee Melican Man Monopoleeee—are written in the style of a native Chinese speaker trying to speak English.

Draw a conclusion to the meaning or message of the picture based on what you have viewed and discussed as a group. Essentially, what is the argument the artist is trying to convey? Conclusion

Conclusion This visual is commenting on the heavy flow of Chinese immigrants coming into the United States, demonstrating fear and anger that the Chinese immigrants will form a monopoly over the service and production industries in the United States if the trend continues. Or the author is trying to comment on Chinese immigrants hiding that fact.