From Frames of Mind:
A Rhetorical Reader with Occasions for Writing
“Analyzing images is similar to reading a verbal text. Like written or
spoken language images have a structure, sometimes even a narrative
quality. Whenever we attempt to make sense of what we see, we
usually observe similarities and differences and establish relationships
with other things that we know. In other words, we try to understand
the language of visual texts – sometimes without even knowing it.”
“Talking about images requires that we be more observant, be willing
to experience what we see, and then take time to analyze using a
method and a language designed specifically for visual learning.”
Robert Diyanni and Pat C. Hoy II
If rhetoric is the art of
communicating
effectively and
persuasively, it stands
to reason that
communicating visually
can be as much an
exercise in rhetoric as
writing…
 Maps, charts, & graphs?
 Political cartoons?
 Posters
&advertisements?
 Paintings & photographs?
SURE!!!
So let’s do a quick study of images…
The Argument of Images
• How is the picture
composed?
– What is your eye drawn
to first?
– What immediate
impression is created?
– What do you “read” in
these images?
• What is:
– In the foreground?
– In the background?
– In or out of focus?
– To the left, center and
right?
– What effect do these
placements have on the
message?
Look at the following photograph and answer these questions…
#1
The Argument of Images
• Is any particular information (a name, face, or
scene, for example) highlighted or stressed?
• How are light (including shading) and color
used? What effects are they intended to have
on you?
• What details are included or emphasized?
What details are omitted? Is anything
downplayed, ambiguous, confusing, or
distracting? What is the effect?
Look at the following photograph and answer these questions…
#2
The Argument of Images
• What effect does the choice of medium have
on the message of the visual text? How would
the message be altered if different media
were used?
• If words accompany your text, what is their
role? Do they clarify or reinforce?
• What does the visual text assume about its
viewers – and about what they know and
agree with?
Look at the following image and answer these questions…
#3
The Argument of Images
• What overall impression does the image create in
you?
• What argumentative purpose does the image
convey?
• What cultural values or ideals does the image
evoke or suggest? Does the image reinforce
those values or question them? (What is your
evidence?)
• What does the image do to strengthen the
argument?
Look at the following photograph and answer these questions…
#4
#5
“Young Interracial Couple”
–Bruce Davidson (1992)
Answer the following questions for this photograph…
• Look for lines and movements (maybe start
with their faces?)… How do those lines break
up the photograph? What do you see in the
various sections?
• How would you describe the expression on
the girl’s face? The boy’s?
• Anna Norris wrote that “pictures are
fashioned to serve a particular purpose.”
What do you think Davidson’s purpose was?
What does the photograph suggest about the
couple’s relationship? (What’s your evidence?)
Now take a crack at ONE of the following
pictures… (Make sure you tell me which picture you did! )
Use the following areas to guide your analysis…
Identify:
• Subject (Who/what is the focus? When? Where? Why?)
• Contents (What are the major components of the image? Are
there words? Does the font suggest anything? What is the
action/pace of the image?)
• Attitudes (Is there an established mood? Are there gestures/body
language/facial expressions? How is the environment portrayed?
What is the connotation? Is size or position relevant?)
• Narrative (Is there conflict present? Are there characters that
represent relationships? Is there evidence of historical events?)
• Symbolism (Are there any abstract concepts? Do colors play a
part? Are there notable contrasts in light/dark? Are there obvious
lines/patterns?)
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16