Asterio’s Polyp Functional Analysis

Asterio’s Polyp Functional Analysis

The graphic novel Asterios Polyp is about an architect professor named Asterios who undergoes an eventful journey when a lightning bolt destroys his house. Then he takes a bus as far away as he can. In flashbacks, the reader learns about how he is haunted by the loss of his twin brother, who was stillborn, and his wife Hana. The visuals use color and varying styles of geometry of to show the reader the speaker, the setting, and the intended audience. They also show the reader a purpose, a subject, the tone, imagery, and many symbols.

First, the book is written from a third person perspective showing the reader events not only in the present but in the past as well. The visuals show the reader how Asterios changes throughout the story. At the beginning Asterios is blue and 2 dimensional. Then as the story progresses we start to see him develop new angles and even gain more color showing the reader Asterios’s values are changing and his perspective has been altered.

Next, the book takes place in several different settings. First, the reader sees Asterio mostly in the city. The city is very colorless and plain. This tells the reader that Asterios enjoyed a bland and boring lifestyle. However, when Asterio moves on giving up his old life he finds himself in a very small town far from any big city. This small towns setting is much more decorative and many times as colorful. We see he begins to change as he begins presenting more color and creativity in these later scenes.

Also, the book has a clear appeal to young audiences. The values it presents of

maturity give the impression that the book intends to show youth the process of growing

up and becoming adults. The audience is shown that visuals can present meaning and contribute to classic literary elements such as character and tone. Also, the visuals make it much easier reading than the classic novel students are so used to reading, ultimately encouraging its audience to enjoy reading.

Then, Asterio’s Polyp presents a story and deep philosophical ideals with illustrations and visuals. The majority of the book is told with illustrations. These visuals present multiple values the reader is intended to absorb. For example, the color and shapes of each character and scene have a significant purpose in the meaning behind the story. These changes in visuals show the reader each characters progression throught the book. Ultimately it is important to understand the purpose of the books visuals because it shows that classic literary elements can be illustrated through srtistic elements such as color and shape.

Next, Asterio’s Polyp clearly pertains to a subject of life and the process of maturity. This can be shown when Asterio begins to change his self absorbed and provincial ideals to a more loving and respectful