STYLISTIC DEVICES IN THE VISUAL COMPONENT OF CARTOON

Abstract

The cartoon genre is popular with the printed mass media, but thanks to the development of modern technology, it has moved from the pages of newspapers and magazines to the virtual internet space which is the analogue or an expanded version of the traditional mass media and online media. In addition to the audience gain, the Internet has other advantages such as multimedia, operational material update, lack of geographical boundaries, the location of the limitless amount of information, interactive communication, fast feedback – a peculiar reaction of the audience to the media impact. The inscription under each cartoon notes how many hits the material has got, the reader can also leave his/her own review, detailed review, sign up in social networks. In addition, the rate of media attendance also serves as a feedback; with its help not only the rating is compiled, but also visitors’ interest to the site is estimated. Interactivity helps journalists to form the agenda, analyze and satisfy information requests, publish the most interesting illustrations. It’s a part of human perception that the reader pays attention to the image first, and after that to the text. The cartoon can either accompany an article or exist as an independent material. In any case, it is a response to an actual event or a problem. However, this genre is complicated by the fact that through simple images the artist must convey information clearly, reveal the news, disguise criticism, and Express his attitude. The language used to create a drawing should be clear not only to the author, but to the reader for whom it is created as well. This is especially important if the cartoon is placed in the media designed for foreign audience, as the difference of cultures can complicate understanding. Key strength of the cartoon is that it first speaks directly to emotions and then to the mind, it has a profound effect not only on a certain person, but also on a group or even people at large. Images allow the reader to focus on a specific problem, to form his opinion. Therefore, the artist’s choice of stylistic devices for non-verbal component is important, as each of them carries a certain emotional and semantic load. Stylistic devices of non-verbal components make the plot extraordinary, provocative and help to represent emerging issues vividly and accurately, making a strong impression on the audience as well. In addition, this article describes different kinds and functions of the cartoon.