Visual Analysis

• Signifier: the graphic/written representation of something
• Signified: the concept the representation may stand for
• Icon: the (often) pictorial representation of something. It resembles
  what it represents
• Symbol: a symbol is a representation of an idea, a concept or a value
  any object or person may stand for
• Index: causal relationship between signifier and signified, then
  image is called indexical
  • In an indexical relationship the audience imagines what has happened
    or what will happen
  • Example: an image of smoke means there has been a fire; a bruised eye means a fist fight