These two posters were used among many to persuade people of the importance of remaining fit and well during wartime. Use the questions to examine them and explain your answers.
- Why was reducing the spread of disease so important for the war effort at home according to Source 1?
- How has Source 1 especially used language to convey its message?
- Towards which audience is Source 2 targeted? Can you explain why this was considered important?
- How do both posters try to appeal to the population to behave responsibly?
- Which is the most persuasive poster in your opinion? Comment on visual messaging (colour and artwork) and language. [Tip: also use the questions from Task 1.]
- Can you think of any other evidence these posters provide about life during the Second World War?
Source 1
Poster from Ministry of Information entitled: ‘A handkerchief in time saves nine’, part of a campaign by the Ministry of Health, Catalogue ref: INF 13/189
Image description
A man, with part of his face covered. is shown sneezing into a handkerchief. Below his face are nine small heads belonging to different people: a female canteen worker, soldier, nurse, coalminer, land girl, sailor, female telephonist, RAF officer and woman for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. The poster is entitled: ‘A handkerchief in time saves nine and helps to keep the nation fighting fit.’ At the bottom of the poster are the words: ‘Coughs and sneezes spread by diseases.’ It is produced by the Ministry of Health.
Source 2
Poster from the Ministry of Information entitled: ‘Coughs and sneezes spread diseases’, by artist H.M. Bateman, part of a campaign by the Ministry of Health, Catalogue ref: INF 13/188
Image description
Four women munitions’ workers are standing in front of a conveyor belt covered with artillery shells in a weapons factory. They wear overalls and their hair is covered. The second woman in line sneezes violently and does not cover her face with a handkerchief. The other women look at in her shock. At the top of the poster are the words: ‘The Ministry of Health says: Coughs and Sneezes spread diseases.’ Below the picture are the words: ‘Trap the germs by using your handkerchief. Help to keep the Nation Fighting Fit.’