The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.
What is the message of this cartoon?
Denotation Connotation The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English: Denotation (what you see) Connotation (how it affects its audience) A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.
Denotation Connotation Meaning Men sat talking round a table. The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). Men sat talking round a table. Connotation ‘Getting round that table’ is an informal term for ‘negotiating’. Meaning Now the war is won, it will be time to negotiate the peace settlement for World War Two. A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.
Denotation Connotation Meaning The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). A bomb-shaped figure labelled ‘Atomic bomb’ looms over the negotiators. Connotation The figure is threatening – frightening. Meaning The existence of the atomic bomb has made the world a scarier place. A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.
Denotation Connotation Meaning The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). The bomb is saying: ‘A just and workable peace OR ELSE’. Connotation The ‘OR ELSE’ is the threat, and implies some terrible alternative if they get it wrong. Meaning Unless the peace-negotiators agree 'a just and workable peace', the next war the world will be plunged into will be an atomic war/ will be frighteningly destructive. A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.
Origin Date Finally, always remember to look at: (who drew it) The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published) A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.
Date Details Significance 11 August 1945. Just 5 days after Hiroshima. The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). 11 August 1945. Details Just 5 days after Hiroshima. Significance This is a very early comment on the significance of the atomic bomb for international relations/ the peace negotiations. A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.
Origin Details Significance The American cartoonist Paul R Carmack. The Christian Science Monitor was not a religious newspaper; it was dedicated to 'nonhysterical journalism' (i.e. it tried to offer sensible and unbiased judgements on events). The American cartoonist Paul R Carmack. Details Carmack was staff cartoonist for the Christian Science Monitor. Significance This is American; it is a conscious attempt NOT to be biased or sensationalist – it is how serious, sensible Americans regarded the invention of the atomic bomb. A cartoon by the American cartoonist Paul Carmack, published in the Christian Science Monitor, 11 August 1945.