This document analyzes the denotation and connotation of three symbols: a black crow, the recycling symbol, and a skull with crossbones. It describes the denotation of each symbol as the black bird, the green chasing arrows in a Mobius strip, and the human skull with an X-shaped crossbones. It then explains the connotations associated with each symbol, such as negativity and death for the crow, sustainability for recycling, and danger, piracy, and mortality for the skull and crossbones.

1. Assignment 1: Analysing
Denotation & Connotation
Laura Cuk

2. Black crow
• Denotation: A black bird with sharp claws and a black pointy beak.
• Connotation: A black crow connotes negativity. A black crow symbolises a
warning of when something bad is going to happen. In some cultures, a
black crow symbolises death. The black crow is also believed as a sign of bad
luck. The colour black is associated with evil, darkness and mystery. The
colour black is a mysterious colour that is associated with fear and the
unknown.

3. Recycling
• Denotation: Three green chasing arrows that form a Mobius
strip.
• Connotation: This recycling symbol is shown in a universal form
because of the way the arrows are continuous. This symbol is
used to designate recyclable materials. The colour green
directly symbolises nature, growth, freshness, and fertility.

4. Skull
• Denotation: A human skull with two crossbones
behind in an X shape with a red background.
• Connotation: A skull with crossbones has a symbolic
meaning of death and mortality. Another
connotation of a skull with crossbones is that this
symbol is commonly known to be used by pirates.
Pirates use this particular image to connote that
they were dangerous. In their own words a skull
was called a ‘deaths head’. The colour dark red
connotes blood and death. The colour red is also
associated with danger, anger, rage, war and power.
Furthermore, in association with science, a skull with
crossbones is a symbol that instructs from touching a
liquid/substance that is harmful.