1. This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

2. What is the message of this cartoon?

3. Denotation Connotation
To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English:
Denotation
(what you see)
Connotation
(how it affects its audience)
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

4. Denotation Connotation Meaning
A prisoner (representing Germany) faces the guillotine.
Connotation
Used to kill a criminal.
Meaning
The guillotine represents ‘the Treaty of Versailles’ which will destroy – kill – Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

5. Denotation Connotation Meaning
Characters representing the ‘Big Three’.
Connotation
They are conducting the execution.
Meaning
The ‘Big Three’ are to blame – they are the ones who are destroying – killing – Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

6. Denotation Connotation Meaning
A character representing President Wilson holds out his hands.
Connotation
He seems reasonable/ explaining, but he is still part of the execution squad.
Meaning
Wilson promised his 14 Points, but he has betrayed Germany – he is still part of the plot to destroy Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

7. Denotation Connotation Meaning
A character representing Clemenceau holds the rope which kills the prisoner.
Connotation
Clemenceau was the actual ‘executioner’.
Meaning
Clemenceau was the source of the hatred of Germany – now he is getting his wish to destroy Germany.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

8. Denotation Connotation Meaning
A stern figure representing Lloyd George holds a rolled paper – the execution warrant.
Connotation
The rolled paper is the Treaty itself.
Meaning
The treaty is not an attempt at a settlement – it is simply a way (the apparently-legal excuse) to destroy Germany.
Lloyd George is also responsible.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

9. Denotation Connotation Meaning The prisoner is bound.
This may represent the terms of the Armistice, by which Germany disbanded the army and navy.
Meaning
Germany is powerless to resist – Germany is at the mercy of its enemies.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

10. Denotation Connotation Meaning The prisoner is semi-naked.
This represents weakness, helplessness and humiliation.
Meaning
The Big Three have humiliated the German government and got their way to destroy Germany.
It is all terribly unfair.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

11. Origin Date Finally, always remember to look at: (who drew it)
(when it was published)
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

12. Origin Details Significance An artist in the magazine Simplissimus.
A German satirical/political magazine.
Significance
This cartoon shows the bitter, Germans’ view of the Treaty.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.  

13. Date Details Significance 3 June 1919.
After the Treaty was presented to the Germans, but before they agreed to sign it.
Significance
This was part of the German outcry BEFORE they signed the Treaty – it is part of the German public’s attempt to persuade the government NOT to sign.
This cartoon appeared in the German magazine Simplissimus on 3 June 1919.