Answer:
Answered each w/ explanation listed below:
EDIT: I realized this is a college level post, I apologize for any trite language used, and I've tried to answer this the best I can with my abilities as a highschooler
Step-by-step explanation:
- Literally: the sign depicts a typical graphic used to represent the evolution of man with an abrupt, ironic ending. The graphic shows an evolutionary change from ape to human to a modern human and depicts the changes in tools used by each link. There is bleak text signaling the end.
- The colors and message (when taken literally) remind the viewer of a road sign. The evolutionary chain may remind viewers of historical allusions to progress and the scientific advancements made by humans.
- The picture shows mankind's evolution ending with the wastrel consumerist at the end of the line, and the text, "Dead end," signals that our species has hit rock bottom and our advancements were for naught. I think the illustrator is saying, mankind used to triumph in progress and look for new ways to evolve. However, modern man chooses to chase commodities and is used to consumerist conformity rather than evolution.
- The illustrator demonstrates this by creating a sudden shift in the pattern, suggesting deviation from our roots, with the "lazy" human with the shopping cart. They also demonstrate this by showing the older generations holding tool, whereas the modern man holds products. Furthermore, the graphic emulating a road sign is used to convey the metaphorical "dead end" on the road to creativity and intellectual evolution our species has reached. The road sign depicts the end of our growth as a species, and it is depicted as quite a disappointing one.
Hope this helps! Please feel free to correct or add in the comments! Good luck, friend!