Sam Whitehorn Harris, Comp 2 11/18/2013

Essay 3

Adolf Hitler is probably the most recognizable name of the twentieth century. Nazi propaganda centered around the charismatic flame-spitter. His fiercest rival in the throes of World War 2 was Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill was a sharp contrast to the war mongering Hitler, and Allied propaganda made good use of Churchills well-established reputation. The two images I have selected work because of the two leaders. They establish immediate credibility with the intended audience, evoke strong reactions, and are both designed in a highly logical manner to incite a response from their respective citizens. Each of the two posters is built around the stars. The Nazi poster features a vindictive, focused Hitler. He is backed by an army bearing Nazi flags. The poster makes sure Hitler is the dominant figure by his placement in an elevated center. There is also an ebullient eagle above Hitler, bathing his head in a golden light. The notorious leaders depiction is also framed in Nazi-lettering, serving to encompass the entire battle in extreme ideology. Churchills representation is a stark contrast to Hitlers. Churchill is featured as a reposed, thoughtful leader. He is facing away from the forward-moving army, a crown of fighter jets above him. The poster also features the line Let Us Go Forward Together.

Ethos in both posters is primarily established through the infamous reputations of their respective centerpieces. The German propaganda also adopts Nazi clout with a swastikaemblazoned frame. Winston Churchill has a certain gravitas in his stoicism, while Adolf Hitler is pure rage. This is reflective of the different audiences the posters targeted. Ethos is built in the immediate accessibility of the posters subjects. The two men are obviously the focal points in the posters, both centered and bordered by armies on the verge of war. Churchills repose is effective because the Allied forces, while being reluctant to engage in a second World War, view the coming confrontations as a burden they must bear in order to progress. The German poster is effective with its audience primarily because of the collective resentment felt in the country after the harsh stipulations imposed upon them by the Treaty of Versailles. The posters both rely on magnetic personalities to lend credibility to their arguments. The reason this is effective ethos is in the simplicity of its palpability. These are the two most famous men in their respective publics, the two most featured in the news, the two most relatable to their target audiences. The images arent overbearing, and work with the magnetic nature of the individual to succeed.
Pathos is established by the relative moods of the two centerpieces. Immaculate, composed Churchill juxtaposed by the vindictive, climbing Hitler. Churchill is confident and yet not thrilled to be taking on the task before him. World War 1s influence is obvious in the makeup of the poster. He is looking back, while the army moves forward yet again. This lends a feeling of duty to the poster, thus decreasing the emotional reluctance some Allied supporters may be inclined to feel. Hitler, on the other hand, is depicted as a powerful, dominating figure. This was no doubt controlled and distributed at Hitlers bidding. He is also seen with his patented closed fist, hoisting a Nazi flag with the other hand.

The clenched fist connotes rage and vengeance, while the raised flag is indicative of confidence. The lowered army and soaring eagle point towards the subservient population and the demigod-like status of Hitler, respectively. Logos is cleverly established in both posters through the use of slogans. The Nazi poster features the line Long Live, Germany! This, along with the isolated figure of Hitler, serves to establish Germany as a solitary entity, one relegated to fighting this battle on its own. Hitler is infamous for his nationalist propaganda. He uses isolationism and the impact of the World War 1 rulings to instigate a vindictive populace. The Germans are alone in the world, with no one fiery Hitler to lead them back. The Allied propaganda relies on progress to logically move the audience. The use of us and forward furthers the idea of a collective progress which must take place in this war. The clever logic of both posters is key in their effectiveness. World War 2 led to more deaths than any war in human history. Never was there more at stake, and hopefully there never will be again. These posters are very serious matters. The conscious of the world was up for grabs, so the respective sides chose relatable and charismatic leaders to bear the burden. Nothing is as poignant with the common human as another human. Promoters knew this and still rely on the same imagery in smear campaigns and toothbrush ads.