Rhetorical Analysis; Visual Art

Maynard Dixon's The Forgotten Man
1. ARGUMENT/ENTHYMEME – The Forgotten Man will change how we see the world because the expressions seen and the colors used in the painting help the audience to see the world and possibly their lives in a different way.

2. AUDIENCE – Painted in 1934, it goes out to those affected by the Great Depression. Dixon knew that this piece of art would continue on after the Depression, so he directed it to anyone going through a rough time

3. GOAL – Dixon lived through the Great Depression. This painting was one in a series depicting the Great Depression. This was probably a common sight seen in those days. (<--- also ETHOS) He also wanted to show that though people were having arough time in those days, hope was easy to find.

4. HOW THE ARGUMENT IS MADE - ethos, pathos, logos; sufficient, typical, accurate, relevant...

Pathos - Between the title, the color scheme and the picture itself it is obvious that Dixon wanted this painting to evoke sympathy from its viewers. The dark color palette and the downward look and facial expression on the man are used to portray emotion. The man's position on the ground (next to the fire hydrant) and the feet of the people walking past the man show that he is either seen as or feels like the "dog" in society; but judging from the fact that his clothes don't appear to be too different from those walking behind him. It is obvious though from the bold shadows that the sun is shining from above. If the man were just to look up, he would fell the sun hit has face, see his blonde hair glowing and know that his brilliant blue coat is not such a dreary color.

Typical – The most obvious thing about this painting is the color scheme. the browns, purples and blues are dare colors that can relate to the sense of depression that this man is going through. The contrast in colors of what is in the shadows and what is in the sun (and the close proximity of both) is to show the audience that one thing can make such a difference in your mood.

5. WAS THE ART EFFECTIVE – If the painting's viewers are able to see and focus on the bit of happiness depicted in this picture, they will know that it is a painting of hope and happiness. However, even if they don't see that, the viewers will still feel sympathy for this man and hopefully try to pay more attention to "the forgotten men" they see everyday. Either way, I feel the painting is effective.