Blog #3

1)
After reading this chapter I learned that visual arguments are probably one of the most convincing parts of an agreement. People say that a picture can last a thousand words and from what I have learned this is more then truth; a picture can be interpreted in many different ways but usually the artist or photographer leads you to a specific idea through the picture. In the end of this chapter Wood makes claims that visual argument has a few parts, she says “Think through the eight special features of visual argument and how you will employ some of them to make your agreement more convincing.”(255) Pictures can describe an event or subject better then a speech because people tend to relate easier to visual things rather than text. So to me the most important part of visual argument is to engage the emotions of a viewer because of the fact that people tend to side with arguer based on the way the picture can make one feel.

2)
The most important feature of visual image I have learned from McCloud is that the simpler the better. Humans are very complex and to my experience are always on the move. What I meant by this is that when a person sees a visual image the more basic it is the easier a person will relate or listen to it. McCloud says “Why would anyone young or old, respond to a cartoon as much or more than a realistic image.” (201). In my opinion I feel that people enjoy a cartoon rather the realistic for the simple fact that a cartoon is an escape from reality for most people. And the cartoon is the way for people to forget, even for a short time, how long, bad or even enjoyable their day has gone.

Essentials of Argument Second Edition Nancy V. Wood
Michael Langensten, Play Ball 1982

Visual Rhetoric in a Digital World A Critical Sourcebook Carolyn Handa
Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. 1994 24-37