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Le Mot Juste: WWI cartoon by H. M. Bateman
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Le Mot Juste: WWI cartoon by H. M. Bateman
" Le Mot Juste: A careful and economical person. Much given to niceness of expression. Trying to decide upon which adjective to risk his brown." This cartoon satirises how the British press are using ever more sensationalist language to describe the battles going on in Europe, with the man in the picture trying to decide which newspaper to buy as the only fundamental difference between them is the choice of adjective with which they describe the battle. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14230667
© Estate of H M Bateman/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library
Bateman Censorship Conflict Decide Economical Enthusiasm Language Newspaper Press Risk Juste Sensationalist
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Le Mot Juste
EDITORS COMMENTS
: A Satirical Look into the British Press and the Language of War, 1914 Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War I, the British public eagerly devoured news from the front lines. The press, in turn, sought to capture their enthusiasm and attention with increasingly sensationalist headlines. In this thought-provoking cartoon by H.M. Bateman, titled "Le Mot Juste," we witness a man carefully considering his choice of newspaper at a newsstand. The only discernible difference between the various offerings is the adjective used to describe the ongoing battles in Europe. The man, an economical and careful person, ponders the implications of each adjective, weighing the risks of choosing one over the other. His brow furrowed in thought, he contemplates the potential consequences of his decision. The cartoon, published in 1914, serves as a poignant commentary on the role of language in shaping public perception during times of conflict. As the man stands before the array of newspapers, the cacophony of war reports blares in the background. The atmosphere is tense, with the looming specter of censorship casting a shadow over the scene. The cartoon's title, "Le Mot Juste," translates to "the right word" in French, emphasizing the importance of choosing the correct adjective to accurately convey the essence of the events unfolding on the home front and beyond. In this historical moment, Bateman's cartoon offers a thought-provoking reflection on the power of language to shape public opinion and the consequences of sensationalist reporting. The image stands as a testament to the enduring significance of the written word and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of history.
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