1. Analyzing Propaganda Posters
Unit 5: The Common Good Propaganda Name:
Analyzing Propaganda Posters

2. 1. The Slogan/Message
A propaganda poster conveys a simple message or point of view about an issue or problem.

3. 2. The Audience
The makers of the poster very carefully try to target a certain audience trying to get certain groups of people do certain things.
What group or groups does the poster target?

4. 3. Symbols
A symbol is anything that stands for some other thing, person, or idea.
What objects in the poster are symbols?

5. 4. Exaggeration and distortion
What symbols or other objects are exaggerated or distorted?
That is, which ones are shown as much larger or smaller than they actually are?
What symbols or other objects are “distorted” in other kinds of ways – for example, by being made to look funny, ugly, etc.?

6. 5. Stereotypes
A stereotype is a too-simple view of some group. Sometimes they are insulting.
What stereotypes are used in the poster? Are they used unfairly, or are they used simply to help the poster make its point?

7. 6. Caricature
Caricature is the portrayal of an individual in an exaggerated or distorted way. Is caricature used in the poster?
If so, does it help to make an important point about the person portrayed?

8. 7. Background Knowledge
A reader usually needs to know certain things about an issue in order to understand a poster on that issue. What kinds of background knowledge does the reader seem to need to make sense of the poster you are studying?

9. 7. Background Knowledge
In other words, what questions do you need answered to understand this poster?

10. 8. Color
Some colors usually create a warm or energetic mood – reds and yellows for example.
How do the colors of the poster affect your impression of the poster?

11. 8. Color
Others convey a cool or calm feeling such as blue and green. But colors can affect us in a large number of ways.

12. 10. The Overall Effect
What impact will the overall effect of the poster have on its audience?