Must Children Die and Mothers Plead in Vain? Buy More Liberty Bonds

Description

Patriotism and emotionalism were the major means used to gain the support of the homefront. "Why Must Children Die" is an excellent example of this emotional appeal. It is considered a good poster inspite of its artistic design, because of the 'punch' it contains in its emotional appeal to humanity and the desire to relieve human suffering. These are important aspects to consider when evaluating a successful poster. The large figures of the mother are her children stand out sharply from the background because of their heavy, rough outlines. This treatment gives them a beaten, despairing attitude which is heightened by the woman's outstretched arm. The appeal to the comfortable, well-fed viewer its strong, but only after the viewer has stopped to look at the poster. The overall darkness of the poster does not allow it to be the most visually demanding poster but, it does remain on of the more emotionally appealing posters.