The utilization of images as a means of communication has the ability to connect with a broad range of individuals, employing techniques to effectively convey significance. This enables each individual to interpret the image according to their own knowledge and comprehension. The Rabbits, a picture book authored by John Marsden and illustrated by Shaun Tan, serves as an illustration of how narratives can be comprehended in diverse manners through the use of techniques such as allegory, anthropomorphism, and symbolism.
The use of visual and literacy techniques in picture books allows for the communication of both simple and complex ideas. Depending on a person’s knowledge, different ideas can be gathered from the pictures in the book. This ability of picture books to address both simple and complex ideas will be examined through the analysis of visual and literacy techniques. The Rabbits by John Marsden and Shaun Tan exemplifies this concept throughout its narrative.
By employing anthropomorphism, the front cover depicts a collection of rabbits who exhibit human traits such as wearing clothes, standing upright, and holding objects. Through the use of symbolism, these rabbits are representative of the British populace. The most prominent figure on the cover is the Admiral rabbit, adorned in a uniform adorned with writing. This symbolizes the intelligence and education associated with the British. Consequently, utilizing meaningful techniques enables images to resonate with a broader audience.
Many techniques used in picture books appeal to younger audiences through simple and easily recognizable imagery. The cover of the picture book The Rabbits exemplifies this by featuring illustrations that a younger audience can interpret literally. The cover shows a group of rabbits standing in front of a massive ship, which the younger audience may perceive as representing the rabbits arriving at a new location.
The ship’s hyperbole makes it seem much larger than the rabbits on the shore, suggesting that there are more powerful individuals who have travelled there. The collage of images shows a battle between rabbits and possums, portraying the concept of conflict. The deliberate placement of each image with weapons symbolizes a battle for younger viewers to understand.
Moreover, the collective body language of the rabbits standing in a row signifies their collective power, in contrast to the possums depicted above. Additionally, the direction of the possums’ spears guides the reader’s gaze towards an illustration showing rabbits and a possum being pierced by spears. Furthermore, the dark liquid emanating from both animals connotes blood, thereby implying the concept of death. Therefore, it becomes apparent that picture books possess the capacity to convey basic concepts through prominent visual representations, enabling younger readers to grasp the essence of storytelling.
Picture books not only use visual techniques to convey complex ideas that older audiences would understand, but they also make references to the historical context of the story. Through the use of allegory, the illustrations and text in the picture book depict the concept of colonization. The depiction of four rusty machines collecting grass from the land employs various techniques that enable the older audience to comprehend its significance.
The usage of simulacra enables the machines to assume the form of a rabbit’s head, symbolizing their consumption of the land. The symbolism portrays the rabbits’ ability to take everything they desire, including the land, crops, and animals. Additionally, the image utilizes juxtaposition and irony by depicting a massive machine being controlled by a small rabbit. This technique suggests to mature viewers the power and dominance of the rabbits over the land, crops, and possums. Consequently, this image can be interpreted as a representation of the British colonizing the Aboriginals during Australia’s colonization.
A striking depiction of a painting captivates the observer with its vibrant hues in contrast to the dreary backdrop. In the foreground, two rabbits hoist up a painting, labeled “1 and 2,” embodying the intricate notion that numerous significant rabbits are merely assigned a number. The architectural structure within the painting aligns with those emerging in the background, forming vectors that guide one’s gaze toward its construction. Consequently, the substantial buildings rest upon feeble foundations, symbolizing the frailty of the British foundation.
On the contrary, the possums on the tree are seen as strong and reliable, which is in contrast with the previous idea. This idea may be easier for older individuals to comprehend as they have a broader knowledge and understanding of the historical references being made. Additionally, an older audience can grasp the complex concepts derived from the prominent visual and written elements depicted by the author. This essay explores various visual and literary techniques to reveal both simple and intricate ideas that can be understood by a diverse audience through a picture book.
The book The Rabbits, written by John Marsden and illustrated by Shaun Tan, utilizes various techniques such as allegory, anthropomorphism, juxtaposition, and symbolism to convey simple and complex ideas to different age groups. This essay explores how picture books can appeal to a wide range of audiences by addressing both simple and complex ideas. As a result, readers of different ages can interpret the message conveyed by the images based on their own understanding. Ultimately, it is the combination of visual and literary techniques in picture books that enables them to serve as a universal language, facilitating the comprehension of both simple and complex concepts.
