To describe means to give specific details. Youre not giving an opinion; youre presenting what you see in detail. Examples are critical. Look at art details. Look at specific things you observe, but observe more closely. Apply McCloud concepts and “Ways to Describe Drawn Art.”
To analyze means to break something down into parts. Look at what youve described and find smaller, more subtle meaning in it. Being opinionated and going beyond the obvious is important. What do you associate with the details youve described from before? Be creative; look for meaningful connections.
To interpret means to take what you described and what you analyzed and find deeper, larger, more cohesive meaning. While analysis is more creative and loose, the interpretation tries to find something more organized and tight. An interpretation is like a thesis statement; it tries to capture the smaller elements you describe and analyze and find a deeper, focused, interesting meaning from them.
1a.) Describe how Robin is portrayed in The Dark Knight Returns. Give at least three examples. Quote/ refer specifically to the text (page number, panels). Describe how she is drawn.
1b.) Analyze that portrayal. Look at word choice and art style. What do you notice about how Robin is portrayed in this story?
1c.) Now interpret what you just analyzed. What is the larger, deeper meaning of how Frank Miller portrays Robin in the novel? Give two different possible interpretations. These can be much more opinionated. Make each interpretation about one sentence long.
Interpretation #1:
Interpretation #2:
1d.) Which interpretation above is more insightful and more interesting? Why? Would a casual reader of this story find that interpretation obvious or thought-provoking, and why or why not?
2a.) Describe how Rorschach is portrayed in Watchmen. Give at least three examples of his behavior or dialogue. Quote/ refer specifically to the text (page number, panels). Describe how he is drawn.
2b.) Analyze that portrayal. Look at word choice and art style. What meanings or ideas or connections can you find about Rorschach?
2c.) Now interpret what you just analyzed. What is the larger, deeper meaning of how Alan Moore portrays this character? Give two different possible interpretations. These can be much more opinionated. Make each interpretation about one sentence long.
Interpretation #1:
Interpretation #2:
2d.) Which interpretation above is more insightful and more interesting? Why? Would a casual reader of this story find that interpretation obvious or thought-provoking, and why or why not?
