RA Norman Rockwell -- Freedom of Speech

Audience

Saturday Evening Post readership: a little better off, majority female, time to follow the serial stories of the post, and also the ongoing issues at town meetings. And by extension, would be concerned about the war effort. A religious group, and proud of the USA and its history.

WATCO buying war bonds on society?

Enthymeme: Buying war bonds will promote the value of free speech, which in turn allows the nobility of truth to shine through in society.

Ethos

The audience would be well acquainted with town meetings, and the various issues, contentious and otherwise that are typical of those meetings. The picture puts them in a familiar setting.

The composition of the picture is a tight triangle, leading the eye between three faces: two men in suits looking up to a man in plaid shirt and jacket standing between them. The picture calls attention to the man's ordinary workman's clothing in contrast to the suits of those around him.

The pamphlet, presumably describing the issue at hand, is stuffed in one of his pockets and folded back on itself showing his preparation in contrast to the two men who hold their books closed in their hands besides him. He is prepared.

Pathos

The face of the speaker is serene and noble. What he is saying apparently commands the respect and perhaps admiration of those around him. Several other people watch him, not turning their heads, but listening. Allegorically he is the U.S. standing for freedom in a war torn world: ordinary men whose must prevail because their cause is just, perhaps even divine. The rest of the world looks on them for support and leadership.

Logos

The traditional American value of free speech allows the truth to be heard. That truth is what leads the world. Buying war bonds will support the good cause.

STAR and Effectiveness?
The work is typical of Rockwell, accurate enough in my own experience (in dress and manner, the man could very well represent my own grandfather, who was involved in land issues and town meetings of one sort or another all his life.) Given the day, it was relevant. It still retains much of its inspirational power, although the question of war bonds has passed, the question of the value of free speech has not.