This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
What is the message of this cartoon?
To do this question, you
need first to borrow two
concepts from English:
Denotation
(what you see)
Connotation
(how it affects its audience)
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Denotation
A prisoner (representing
Germany) faces the guillotine.
Connotation
Used to kill a criminal.
Meaning
The guillotine represents ‘the
Treaty of Versailles’ which will
destroy – kill – Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Denotation
Characters representing the ‘Big
Three’.
Connotation
They are conducting the
execution.
Meaning
The ‘Big Three’ are to blame –
they are the ones who are
destroying – killing – Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Denotation
A character representing
President Wilson holds out his
hands.
Connotation
He seems reasonable/
explaining, but he is still part of
the execution squad.
Meaning
Wilson promised his 14 Points,
but he has betrayed Germany –
he is still part of the plot to
destroy Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Denotation
A character representing
Clemenceau holds the rope
which kills the prisoner.
Connotation
Clemenceau was the actual
‘executioner’.
Meaning
Clemenceau was the source of
the hatred of Germany – now he
is getting his wish to destroy
Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Denotation
A stern figure representing Lloyd
George holds a rolled paper –
the execution warrant.
Connotation
The rolled paper is the Treaty
itself.
Meaning
The treaty is not an attempt at a
settlement – it is simply a way
(the apparently-legal excuse) to
destroy Germany.
Lloyd George is also responsible.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Denotation
The prisoner is bound.
Connotation
This may represent the terms of
the Armistice, by which Germany
disbanded the army and navy.
Meaning
Germany is powerless to resist –
Germany is at the mercy of its
enemies.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Denotation
The prisoner is semi-naked.
Connotation
This represents weakness,
helplessness and humiliation.
Meaning
The Big Three have humiliated
the German government and got
their way to destroy Germany.
It is all terribly unfair.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Finally, always remember
to look at:
Origin
(who drew it)
Date
(when it was published)
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Origin
An artist in the magazine
Simplissimus.
Details
A German satirical/political
magazine.
Significance
This cartoon shows the bitter,
Germans’ view of the Treaty.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.
Date
3 June 1919.
Details
After the Treaty was presented
to the Germans, but before they
agreed to sign it.
Significance
This was part of the German
outcry BEFORE they signed the
Treaty – it is part of the German
public’s attempt to persuade the
government NOT to sign.
This cartoon appeared in the German
magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.