1. The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
This cartoon by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.

2. What is the message of this cartoon?

3. Denotation Connotation
The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
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 by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.

4. Denotation Connotation Meaning
The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
A map of Europe showing the Iron Curtain countries in black.
Connotation
Black is the colour of evil and fear.
Meaning
An evil, frightening shadow is creeping across Europe … creeping towards Britain.
This cartoon by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.

5. Denotation Connotation Meaning
The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
Stalin is stretching across to plant Soviet flags in western Europe.
Connotation
‘Planting the flag’ is a symbol of claiming a territory for an empire.
Meaning
Stalin’s Soviet Union has grown, intends to grow further (and must be stopped).
This cartoon by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.

6. Denotation Connotation Meaning Questions marks on Sweden and France.
The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
Questions marks on Sweden and France.
Connotation
Sweden was next to Finland; France had a strong Communist party.
Meaning
These two countries are in danger of becoming the next countries in the Soviet empire.
This cartoon by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.

7. Origin Date Finally, always remember to look at: (who drew it)
The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
Finally, always remember to look at:
Origin
(who drew it)
Date
(when it was published)
This cartoon by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.

8. Origin Details Significance The British cartoonist Illingworth.
The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
The British cartoonist Illingworth.
Details
Illingworth drew for the right-wing newspaper the Daily Mail.
Significance
This cartoon is a Western, anti-Soviet comment, frightening people about the Iron Curtain.
This cartoon by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.

9. Date Details Significance June 1947. At the time of the Marshall Plan.
The ‘hammer and sickle’ is the flag of the Soviet Union.
June 1947.
Details
At the time of the Marshall Plan.
Significance
This cartoon is supporting Marshall’s interpretation that all Europe is in danger of turning communist, and being added to the ‘evil empire’.
This cartoon by the British cartoonist Illingworth was published in June 1947.