Don’t Touch The Shadow Smith, Lawrence Beall “Don't let that shadow touch them : buy war bonds.” Web. 12 Sep 2010

Background Information  This painting was done in 1942 in the middle of World War II  War Bonds were used to fund the production of supplies for our soldiers  These allowed us to be the most prepared nation supply wise in the war  What does the title mean? The title is saying that if the shadow touches the children then they will lose out on all of their innocence. The children are at a time where they should be able to run around and play not have to worry about the war

Audience  This advertisement was mainly targeted towards adults who would be able to buy the war bonds  Do you think that the artist correctly makes his audience known or is it hard to figure out?

Detail  Does the emphasis on the shadow help or hurt the Government’s chance of selling war bonds? The emphasis on the shadow puts a sense of fear into the viewer making them want to buy the war bonds, so I believe that the image helps their chances

Things To Notice  The older boy is acting as a protector of the younger two children  The youngest child is oblivious to the “danger” that lurks inches next to her

Pathos  How does the painter’s use of children invoke emotion to the audience?  What emotions do the painter’s use of lighting give you?

Pathos cont.  I believe that the artist uses children to make his audience think that if they don’t purchase a war bond there kids will be hurt  The artists use of lighting makes you feel like there is a deep gloom  Since there is an emphasis on the shadow you see that first and you then look at the children’s faces and that gloom is echoed

Ethos  Does the image make you trust our government more than you would if they just said “Buy War Bonds”?  Knowing that this image is supported by the U.S. Government, would it change your perspective of the artist?

Ethos  I think that if I was living during this time and I saw this ad it would make me want to go out and buy a war bond.  I would trust the government more than I would if they didn’t have this image  I would actually change my opinion of the artist I would trust the artist it would seem since we trust our government, we should trust the artists

Logos  Does the statement Don’t let that shadow touch them appeal to your logic or does it make you think that a shadow can’t hurt them?  What does deeper analysis of the shadow do to change that opinion?

Logos  The statement does make me think that why not, a shadow can’t hurt them  But further analysis of the shadow shows a swastika changing my opinion by a complete 180 making me want to buy the war bond to save these children

Significance  This picture was an important part of American history because this was a time when the Nazis were rapidly moving through Europe and our soldiers were trying to stop them  War bonds were important to give our soldiers ammo and other supplies

Intent  What do you think the artist wanted to portray in the advertisement? I think that the artist wanted to invoke many emotions in you to get you to go and buy a war bond. The Audience being adults made you think about your own kids and what would happen to them.