English Visual Analysis

Visual Analysis

Assignment Guidelines

Compose a rhetorical analysis of the image you selected. Remember, your essay should argue for a particular interpretation of the image.

1. Select an image (I chose the painting Reminisce by John Holyfield)
2. Consider the following elements of your image:

The rhetorical situation of the image, including the author, audience, purpose, context, tone, genre, design, constraints, and exigence

The rhetorical strategies, or how the image is composed to produce a specific effect (use of color, layout, contrast, etc.)

The rhetorical appeals (ethos/pathos/logos), or ways the image seeks to engage its audience

1. Compose a thesis that argues your interpretation (i.e. a particular way of viewing the image) based on the choices made in its construction. See the Introduction to Visual Analysis page and PowerPoint posted in the current module.
2. Support your thesis by describing and analyzing various elements of your image (see #2 above) that support your overall argument about the image.
3. Explain how your analysis of the image relates back to the article from which the image originated. Does the article reinforce your view, challenge, or contradict it? (There’s no right or wrong answer here; just your ability to evaluate). You’ll need to quote and/or paraphrase from the article in cite it in your essay.
4. Conclude by reinforcing the key points and highlighting why the conversation is important in contemporary society.

Requirements

A thesis that argues for a specific interpretation of the image you selected

Several detailed supporting examples from the image that explain the rhetorical appeals at work

A clear connection between your way of viewing this image and its context

An explanation of how or if your interpretation of the image fits its companion article’s use or interpretation. This will require quoting and/or paraphrasing from the article to substantiate your claim.

The only sources used in this essay should be your approved image and the article from which it originated.

A coherent organizational structure that supports your thesis (with introduction and conclusion)

A strong sense of audience

• 3-4 double-spaced pages (750-1,000 words)

MLA documentation for all sources (including the image) through in-text citation and a Works Cited page

• Meticulous proofreading and proper MLA formatting

Submit the Final Draft of Essay Two to this folder.

Please use .pdf, .docx, or .rtf format.

I also wrote the first paragraph just need you to add on. Thank you

Transforming Spaces, One color at a Time Art often captures quiet moments through deeper connections about relationships, memory, and identity. I chose the painting Reminisce by artist John Holyfield. The painting Reminisce depicts a lovely intimate scene through a Black couple resting together in a nice decorated living room. This painting is conveying leisure moments between a couple highlighting comfort, romance, and relaxation. The piece is in warm and muted color, purples, blues, greys, and burgundy surrounded by soft lights, patterned couch, decorative pillows, plants, record player, album and wine canister/goblet. The couple is creating a meditative atmosphere in which they are enjoying the wine, the music and togetherness. Through the warm color tones, relaxed body language and detailed surroundings, Holyfields Reminisce highlights intimacy and nostalgia while celebrating the beauty of quiet moments within happy Black relationships and everyday life.