Line Up, Boys!

Line Up, Boys!

Recruitment: Military

In this English poster, boys are encouraged to enlist for the war effort. The four boys depicted in the poster are walking in perfect formation with synchronized steps and bright, smiling faces. Their bodies seem to blend together into a single conglomeration of uniforms. In contrast to certain posters, like those of Lord Kitchener, which point directly at the viewer, singling him out, this poster makes the viewer imagine himself as part of a unit of other boys just like himself. This takes away from the apprehension he might feel at enlisting by himself, because he will become part of a unit as soon as he enlists. The image of all the enlisted boys walking happily side by side appeals directly to the youthful sense of fun of the young viewer, turning the act of enlistment from a dreaded duty into a fun adventure, and making war into a harmless game. The poster makes no reference to real fighting, but instead focuses on the camaraderie of the unit and the dignity with which the boys are walking together.

Anonymous

McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tulsa. 2933 E. 6th St. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-3123

Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, London

Printed by E. and S. Ltd.

1915

English

1992.004.5.97

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Great Britain

Poster

41.4 x 26.4 cm