1. Hermeneutic
code – Why
is the baby
going after
the money?
Why is it
underwater?
Why is the
baby naked?
Symbolic
code- Baby
symbolises
greed from
birth. It can
also symbolise
the American
dream.
Analysis of Nirvana’s ‘Never mind’ album cover
Proairetic
code –
Linking to the
hermeneutic
code, what
will happen to
the baby
next?Who is
on the other
line of the
fishing hook.
Representation
Fact that a naked baby is
shown creates an
argument of different
opinions of whether this
cover should be published
as it is or not. Many think
it is fine but some find the
image offensive.The band
wanted it to be offensive.
Controversy
This album has led to
many social interactions
amongst many of the
audience.
Semantic code –
Links with
symbolic code.
Money connotes
wealth and greed
Cultural codeNirvana could be
representing their
American culture as
being greedy and
crazy, as the baby’s
penis isn’t censored,
meaning the band
doesn’t care what
about the negative
opinions of the
society.
Consumerism
Captillism
CONTEXT
The album came out
in 1991; nowadays
people won’t
publish covers like
this as people would
think of it as
inappropriate.
Lack of
innocence.
Gratifications
theory
Inform and
educate
The artists may be
trying to inform that
human beings are
born with greed.