Connotations, allusions and symbolism

Connotation

A connotation is when a part of a visual text, or even a single image, implies (makes something understood without expressing it directly) a value or meaning beyond the literal. Take for example the three simple images, Visual Text One, Visual Text Two and Visual Text Three.

All three visual texts are images of a character. In each text the character is the same. The costumes, however, create a different connotation for the character. In Visual Text One the character is dressed as a policeman. What connotation does this have for you? This will depend on your experience of policemen. For most people, this costume will connote that the character is trustworthy and honest.

In Visual Text Two the character is dressed as a man from the country, or a farmer. What does this costume connote about the character? Perhaps you imagine the character to be laid back, down-to-earth and hardworking.

In Visual Text Three the character is dressed as a 'home-boy'. The connotations that this character has will vary from person to person. You might think that this character is cool. Others might associate the character with crime.

In most visual texts connotations are very important. Look for images that connote particular ideas, as they change the emphasis of the visual text. Remember that connotations are reliant largely on the viewer's personal context.

Consider the examples Text four, Text five, Text six.

Does each example give you a different impression of the boy? Why is this? In Visual Text Four we might get the impression that the boy is timid or being intimidated. The high angle connotes this. In Visual Text Five we might get the impression that the boy is menacing or intimidating. In Visual Text Six we might get the impression that the boy is friendly.

Further, it is very important to remember that it is ultimately your decision as to what images connote. This comes down to personal context. For example, the use of the skateboard in Texts Five and Six compared with the bicycle in Text Six. What you infer about the boy from his chosen mode of transportation will depend on your context or your experience with bikes and skateboards.

If you are a skateboarder, for example, you may already have an image of this boy in your head. You are likely to empathise (share feelings) with the boy. On the other hand, if you are an old person who has been recently knocked over by a boy on a skateboard you might feel that skateboarders are a menace or anti-social. Either way, there is a stereotype associated with the use of a skateboard that will define your reaction to the character, depending on your personal context.

Finally, connotation can help us infer (understand) things about the composer of a text. What are the attitudes implied about the boy in Visual Texts Five and Six, from the composer's point of view? Compare the angles and how the viewer is positioned to view the boy. In Visual Text Five we can infer that the composer of the text sees skateboarders as a menace. In Visual Text Six we can infer that the composer sees the skateboarder as an equal.

So, in any simple images, such as Visual Texts Four, Five and Six, there can be many connotations.

• These indirectly give us impressions about characters or objects.
• Allow the reader to come up with their own impressions through personal context.
• Can connote things about the composer and the composer's context.

Refer to the 'Connotation activity' animation to practise with connotations.

Allusions and symbolism

Allusion and symbolism are very closely linked to connotation. An allusion is made when a composer makes a reference to another text or person within their own visual text.

Symbolism, as well as being closely linked to connotations, is also closely linked to context and cultural assumptions. In every cultural context, there are symbols that have meanings for people. For example, in a Christian culture a cross might represent spirituality, in the American culture the bald eagle represents American justice and truth, the tiger might represent the courage and strength of the Wests Rugby League Club or Richmond Australian Rules Football Club and Mahatma Ghandi is a symbol of peace and spirituality.

Symbols can also change meaning according to context. For example the 'golden arches' that symbolise McDonald's, might symbolise a quick way to get some food for a travelling family or it may symbolise corporate America or exploitation to a group of people concerned about the nutritional value of the food.

Refer to the 'Visual symbol activity' for practice using symbols.