Uncle Sam's body language reflects the United States' position as well. He is sitting up straight but comfortably on a dainty nest with his legs crossed elegantly. He has a pleasant look on his face with a smile, indicating that the Nazi domination does not bother, displease, or even faze Uncle Sam. The events and damage around him do not affect his countenance, disposition, or comfortable demeanor and posture. He is also twiddling his thumbs, as if he is bored and has nothing productive or better to do. His eyes are closed, suggesting he does not want to look around and see the wreckage all around him; because if he looks around, he may be compelled to help or attempt to stop the Nazi party. He would rather look at the back of his eyelids and pretend to be ignorant than see the need of the other countries. Uncle Sam's back is turned to the other countries while they are being subjugated, signifying the betrayal in not assisting the others. He is also sitting above every other tree except for Britain, which is currently on its way down because of the woodpecker. This implies that he thinks he is higher, and possibly too high, to be attacked by the woodpecker. Uncle Sam is not even holding onto the tree tightly, affirming he is not expecting the woodpecker to move onto his tree.
Most Dr. Seuss cartoons burst with bright colors, but Geisel neglects color. Color is generally associated with happiness, excitement, and other expressive emotions, so this cartoon appears very bleak, murky, and somber. There is only one cloud in the entire cartoon, and it is positioned directly above the British tree the Nazi woodpecker is furiously pecking down, foreshadowing the fall and doom of Britain.
Erika, I like the way you put a part your views for this cartoon. I agree with you, you deacribed it very well. I like your comment on the only cloud and the way the cloud is positioned right above the British tree. I think that's a great observation.
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