Reading Graphic Novels Viewing the text through three ‘lenses’

Interpretation of graphic novels … Text as meaning Image as meaning Text and image as meaning

1. The Literary Lexicon We already know the literary lexicon: Reader Narrator Juxtaposition Protagonist/antagonist Metaphor Symbol Etc …

2. The Visual Art Lexicon Perspective Line Shape Texture Shadow Shading Style Negative space Structure Layout Colour Negative space= space around a form helps define form

3. The Graphic Storytelling Lexicon Panel Panel frame Split image/frame Bleed Splash page Speech balloon Tail Caption Motion line Gutter Closure Symbolia (Zzz) Sound effects

Viewing two panels from Persepolis Literary – the juxtaposition in the caption between “very religious” and “very modern” Artistic – the use of different shapes (machinery versus Islamic iconography) and juxtaposing black and white colours Graphic storytelling – the split image of Marji (veiled and unveiled)

If we use the three ‘lenses’ to read the second panel, what meaning is communicated? How does the second panel relate to the first? How is the meaning of the first panel altered when reading it in the context of the second?