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Analysis of the Cartoon "The Doormat" by David Low

This 1933 cartoon by British cartoonist David Low titled "The Doormat" criticizes the League of Nations' inaction towards Japan's aggression in Manchuria. The cartoon depicts Japan trampling over the League and the Covenant, symbolized by a beautiful woman and a document. The figures in the cartoon, including a bowing individual and the British Foreign Secretary John Simon, highlight the theme of surrender and trying to save face rather than standing up against Japan. The cartoon reflects Low's outrage over the League's failure to act against Japan's aggression, seen as a humiliation.

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Analysis of the Cartoon "The Doormat" by David Low

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  1. This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

  2. What is the message of this cartoon?

  3. 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 of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

  4. Denotation A Japanese soldiers tramples over a beautiful woman and the document beside her. Connotation The beautiful woman represents the League, and the document is the Covenant. Meaning Japan – by its actions in Manchuria – is trampling over the League and the Covenant. This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

  5. Denotation The figure in the doorway bows down to the Japanese soldier and presents him with flowers. Connotation Bowing represents servility, surrender. Flowers welcome a conqueror. Meaning The League is not standing up to Japan – rather the League has allowed Japan to win. This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

  6. Denotation Another figure is powdering the League’s face with a ‘face-saving kit’. Connotation The figure represents the British Foreign Secretary John Simon. ‘Saving face’ = making excuses. Meaning The British are not interested in doing the right thing – they are just trying to ‘save face’ (not look as spineless as they are). This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

  7. Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published) This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

  8. Origin The British cartoonist David Low. Details Low was a great supporter of the League. Significance Low (as many British people) was outraged saw by the Manchuria failure, which he saw as a great humiliation for the League. This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

  9. Date 1933. Details When it was clear that the League was not going to do anything about Japan. Significance It is a criticism, not of the League, but of its leaders, who have allowed Japan to win. This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'. 

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