2-3-2015
English 1302
Paper 1 – “Why We Read” Picture

While studying the picture entitled, “Why We Read,” it seems the artist is trying to paint a descriptive picture for people to demonstrate the difference between the images our minds create or receive while reading a book vs. watching a television program. Reading helps the brain create a more detailed mental picture and broadens the imagination by reducing limitations due to the fact that while reading, one must create mental pictures to go along with a story instead of the picture being perfectly thought out and visually created by someone else. In the cartoon, the two characters in the two images look like identical old alien men. One picture shows a thought blurb or bubble with multiple images and concepts created in the man’s brain through the written word. The other picture shows the very same character watching television. His thought blurb or bubble is empty and represents a brain without creative images, and leaves the viewer to believe the character is without thought. The artist is also trying to show a visual picture that ties the whole “imagination” aspect together and how the character’s imagination has already broadened his mind. The image also seems as if it appeals to adults more because adults like things that are out of the ordinary and strange, which may help captivate their attention and curiosity. The illustration also shows that it will cause the reader to be more creative when one reads, because the reader must develop images in the mind as he reads. Retention of the material can be stronger and longer lasting due to the fact that information and can be read over and over. The picture in the reading man’s brain blurb shows atoms, Albert Einstein’s face, the world, letters and even a Peace Sign. Looking at all of those images inside of the thought bubble in the