According to the second Farr extract...how did Herge research China for the Blue Lotus?
After meeting with Chang, Herge’s understanding of China and it’s people were corrected. Herge was heavily influenced by the ‘boxer uprising’ which portrayed Chinese people as “slit-eyed people who were very cruel, who would eat swallows’ nests, wear pig-tails and throw children into rivers.” (Farr, 1991). Ever so grateful for the new insight into China, Herge created a friend for tintin, naming him after Chang, he even added his real-life conversation with Chang into the comic stating each other’s perpectives of each other’s cultures/countries.
From this friendship Herge was able to complete the Blu Lotus knowing China’s history, language, culture, art, literature, etc and therefore transfer what he had learnt from Chang into comic. He also made sure that the majority of the sketches were accurate; this included street names and signs. (Farr, 1991).
I think that Chang’s presence had a major impact in the creation of The Blue Lotus. We read of Herge’s perception of China and its people and to think that if Chang had never met Herge....I think Herge would’ve included all the stereotypes he had in mind of Chinese people before he met Chang. “Herge admitted that he had “discovered a civilisation which I had completely ignored”” (Farr, 1991).
Do you think comics are a children’s or adults genre/media?
I think that comics are for all ages. As the saying goes ‘everyone’s different’, I think that we’d interpret certain things in our own way suiting our own understanding.
“The child will be gripped by the excitement of Tintin, the comedy, even farce. The adult will additionally find political satire and parody, puns and prescience.” Anticipating world events such as Pearl Harbour in Tintin’s Adventures, Children could see it as really cool pictures, or just be enthused about the story itself, whereas adults see an event that shocked the world...maybe even admire the detailed pictures!
In saying that comics are for all ages Herge had devised a character who would appea l to children as much as grown-ups. He also said that Tintin was aimed at “all young people aged from seven to seventy-seven.” (Farr, 1991)
Michael, F. (1991). Tintin: the complete companion. London: John Murray.
Hi Samantha,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Blog! SO nice to see your work here.
Do you think Herge did a good job in not only representing typical stereotypes, but also dispelling them?
MAke sure you reference everything correctly - all direct quotes need a reference and a page number :)
I think you could use the primary text more to provide evidence for your answers. For example, you could add some examples from the text to show what might appeal to child and adult readers.
Keep it up!
Esther :)
I agree with you, Samantha that comic genre is for all ages. It is hard to judge and define that comics are for children or adults. The characteristics of this genre are enough to attract a whole generation people. The author wants to make it interesting to read to people. Therefore, if people read and enjoy them, I think that can say the purpose is achieved :)
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