Signifier: The writing on the mirror.
Signified: The writing conveys the man’s true feelings about himself.
Context: Because the writing is not on him, the man feels even more distant from society and weaker as an individual.
Signifier: The cop staring at the young hoodlum.
Signified: The cop feels poorly about society. His scowl clearly shows his dislike of the new generation.
Context: Being from another generation, particularly a more strict and morally upholding one (probably a baby boomer growing up with 1950’s ideology), the cop is genuinely disgusted.
Signifier: Both the cigarette smoke and the smoke from the industrial factory.
Signified: Both types of smoke cause harm to the body and the environment respectively.
Context: Both types of smoke are seen by the majority of society as problamatic issues that should be eradicated. Typically, these acts are met with disapproval.
Signifier: The crowd smoking marijuana at Hemp Fest.
Signified: The crowd symbolizes the ongoing battle between marijuana users and the government about the legalization of marijuana.
Context: In the current situation, the war on drugs is really heating up. These protesters will do whatever it takes to win their battle.
Signifier: The car in the distance shining its headlights.
Signified: The car represents me entering a new stage of my life. Gone is everything I knew as I approach the future with my eyes forward on the lookout for whatever may come.
Context: Because everything is new to me, including Boston, my eyes are as wide open as a baby’s; approaching graduation from a distance, I have a long way to go.
Nathan Carolan 