The cartoon demonstrates how those who have the power do not think the same about the other, that is, abused and marginalized persons have their own barriers and starting points. Though such acts can be justified with a simple answer of ‘playing safe’, no empathy and understanding of systemic concerns is shown here as the lack of effort is pointed out.

In this sense, the cartoon depicts how systemic challenges ought to be dealt with, in order to promote fairness. It urges the audience to re-evaluate such systems that admonish the victim of the situation whilst considering the interplay of privilege and success and/or effort as well.

The picture develops an emotional resonance with the use of lighting, colors, and composition. The key elements and their meanings are highlighted below.

1. Subject (The Silhouette)

- Pose: The outstretched arms symbolize freedom, release, and embracing life. It evokes a sense of liberation and openness.

- Location: Standing on a pier forms a transitional space, bridging land (stability) and water (uncertainty).

2. Lighting

- Sunlight: The sun being at the center, evokes warmth, energy, and even hope; the strong glow would immediately signal renewal and optimism.

- Contrast: This dark silhouette against bright light brings the viewer to notice his individuality.

3. Color Palette

- Warm Colors: The rich gradient from deep orange to soft purple speaks of tranquility, peace, and connection with nature.

- Psychological Impact: These colors promote calmness and introspection.

4. Natural Elements

- The Ocean: This is a symbol of infinity, emotional depth, and the flow of life.

- The Sky: Its vastness amplifies feelings of freedom and endless possibilities.

5. Composition

Balance: The image is symmetric, with the sun and the silhouette right at the middle. This symmetry creates harmony.

Perspective: The pier going further into the distance creates depth and symbolizes journey or transition.

Symbolism Summary

Freedom: Free-spread pose, open sky, and endless ocean-mean to break free from restrictions and embrace possibilities.

- Hope and Renewal: The rising (or setting) sun suggests the end of one phase and the beginning of another.

- Individuality: The lone figure emphasizes personal growth and self-expression.

I never imagined this would be my reality sitting in a hospital room, hair gone, fighting something I can’t see. It’s as if I’ve lost a part of myself. My hair was always a part of who I was, the symbol of my beauty and worth. But now, without it, I feel almost invisible, like I’m losing the value that society places on appearance.

For so long, I’ve been defined by what I look like, by the image of a perfect, beautiful princess. But losing my hair, losing this physical part of me, is forcing me to confront the fact that my worth was never truly mine it was something dictated by others, by the world around me.

However, this experience is teaching me that my true strength comes from within, from my ability to endure, to keep going, and to resist the pressures of a world that values women based on their beauty rather than their resilience. Maybe this isn’t the end, but a chance to grow in ways I never imagined beyond the image that others have of me.

Much love,

Rapunzel

In Term 2, I learned more about how to analyze Othello through learning Shakespeare's language, structure, and context, especially how he presents themes like race, jealousy, and manipulation. I also completed my Individual Oral (IO), which helped me improve my ability to compare literary and non-literary texts. I performed better than my first practice IO, especially in speaking more confidently and staying within the time limit. I also came to realize the importance of bringing historical and cultural context to support my analysis. Overall, I've learned more about how to write a good argument and support it with evidence.

What I struggled with & what I'll focus on next:
One place I struggled was integrating critical theory more deeply into my IO. Although I did better this time, I see that integrating more feminist, postcolonial, or psychoanalytic theories could put my mark higher, preferably to a 6 on the next attempt. I also struggled with composing analytical paragraphs within time pressure, especially in making context-to-writer purpose connections. In Term 3, I’ll focus on revising key scenes from Othello and practicing how to weave in critical theory naturally in both written and oral work. I’ll also work on writing stronger introductions and conclusions in exam conditions.