Scott McCloud: Show & Tell Analysis In his graphic essay “Show &Tell”, Scott McCloud argues that words and pictures co-exist to create a deeper meaning. Although both words and pictures help create a message for the audience, they are more effective when put together. Words and pictures are stronger when put together. In his essay, McCloud presents several examples of how words and pictures work together. He starts off his essay by depicting a kid showing off his robot. The kid speaks and at the same time, shows off his robot to help the people understand what he is trying to say. McCloud then comes in to tell the audience that words and pictures come together in comics. McCloud’s message however, is more than just understanding what is happening in a book. In addition to conveying messages, words and images improve literacy as well as being an integral part of communication in everyday life. Several different emotions and meanings can be portrayed using both words and images. McCloud says “A huge range of human experiences can be portrayed in comics through either words or pictures” (McCloud 152). He goes on to say how words and pictures can tell powerful stories when both are used to their full potential. He gives several distinct categories of how this works. He then compares this to a dance team. When both people, in this case words and images, try to out do each other, it will …show more content…
It can be seen in everyday life. One example where words and pictures interchange is watching a show or a movie with subtitles. Some may prefer without subtitles, but some with. When watching a show with subtitles, some people can can have a better understanding of what is being said and what is happening. Another example where words and images work together are road signs. A typical example would be a stop sign. The color red is associated with danger or caution, and the added word “stop” gives a clearer