Semiotic Analysis

Wallstreet Bull

The Signifier:

The actual image is a bull.  It seems to be ready to charge forward with aggression.  It is focused on its purpose and looks like it has a specific target.  The ribs are protruding with all muscles tensed, with narrowed eyes and a whipping tail.  The bull is hunched with weight on his two front legs.  It’s all alone without any other objects impeding its goal.  Teeth are bared.

The Signified:

Because this bull is located on Wallstreet in New York City (The Wallstreet Bull), it is a symbol of the progression of business throughout the United States.  This bull is meant to symbolize the prosperity of the country and represents fast growth in the stock market.  Because of its stance, it represents the stock market lunging forward with a specific goal in mind as it makes its way forward with ambition.  Because the bull is all alone and so huge, this can represent American business and economy, supposedly big, fierce and in charge.

In the recent past, U.S. economy has experienced upheaval and uncertainty.  There was the .com bubble burst, then there was the housing market crash, the banking crisis along with high unemployment in the United States.  Over and over again, our country experiences financial difficulty but works to overcome the setbacks. Over the last five years, the U.S. has been working to come out of that economic dip and re-bolster the economy.  The bull can be a symbol of commitment and perseverance, with a constant drive and commitment to continue pushing forward, no matter what the circumstances may be.