The Red Tree By Shaun Tan Language Techniques

646 Words3 Pages

Visual literacy is used in everyday life. By reading and analyzing images in books, magazines, T.V and short films, we are able to make sense and understand how these pictures relate to the writing associated with them. The Red Tree a book written and illustrated by talented Shan Tan uses a variety of different visual literacy techniques which then create a story valuable to teenagers in todays modern society. By creating a distinct series of images using composition, social value and the reaction provoked. The picture book The Red Tree is a story about a young girl having an exceptionally bad day. This story line is not uncommon in children’s picture books however, what separates Shaun Tans book from the rest is his use of composition in his art works accompanied by minimal words which require a deeper …show more content…

A nameless young girl appears on every page, in every picture; in stand for ourselves as she passes helplessly through many dark moments, yet ultimately finds something hopeful at the end of her journey. The emotions conveyed through the images can relate to teens today as they may be dealing with similar feelings. Social isolation and the pressure to be someone you’re not is a constant struggle in the life of the teenager. While the unknown girl is going through her dark times there is one little sign of hope with her on every page which is represented by a vibrant red maple leaf. This sign of hope can relate to teenagers as there is always hope no matter how tough the times you are facing are. To the end of the book the young girl finds the light after all the confusing times she has faced, where she finds a large maple tree bloomed in her room covered in bright red maple leaves. Therefore, this picture book can relate to teenagers and their own problems that they face in todays society in the way they feel about these problems, as well as reassuring them that there is always