The literary text A can be identified as a satirical cartoon published in
2015 by Gary Varvel. The cartoon depicts a playground where children are
ignoring the rides and each other, instead focusing solely on their
smartphones. Through this satirical cartoon particularly focuses on
commenting on how the term ‘playing’ has changed for the new
generation and thus aims to highlight how technology is taking over our
younger generations mind in a negative way. (The author aims to highlight
the negative effects of technological devices addiction among children
who are increasingly reliant on these devices.) This text targets a wide a
range of people but in particular to children who are the sole targets of
criticism as well as older generation who do witness these on a day today
basis.
DEVICES-
1. The signpost on the righthand side that reads ‘Caution, Children
Playing’ creates irony as the words of the sign contradict the image.
2. Ironic juxtaposition Varvel displays how the notion of ‘playing’ has
changed between the previous generation and the younger. (the
way they are playing the children also needs to careful of each other
as it can be dangerous for them as well).
Visual techniques:
1. Usage of caricature of the children in which they have their heads
down and finger extended towards their screens. Their eyes being
droopy and facial expression being not cheerful. Both is implying
that electronic devices have a hypnotic spell over young people
which is neither good for their mental as well as physical health.
2. The image split into two: a background and a foreground.
The background- a deserted playground, an empty basketball court
and an abandoned seesaw. The complete lack of people contrasts
with the foreground in which the little children sitting focused on
their screens. Varvel is suggesting that, given so much space to play
in, today’s children would confine themselves into screens instead.
3. Colour is a symbolic element of this contrast:
the field is bright green, suggesting the joy and fun that the
children are opting out of by sitting on the bench. The
foreground, in contrast, is pale and grey, suggesting the
lifelessness of the digital world.
The yellow signpost stands out, purportedly as it’s a warning
sign for passing drivers, but also to draw the reader’s
attention to the irony and humour of the useless signpost.
