Ad #1: Proctor and Gamble

Critical Analysis: 

The target audience of this advertisement is women between the ages of 18 and 24. This ad was published in 1939, and at that time women married at young ages. The ad says if you have rough hands and ugly hair you won't find romance or a husband, a message that would attract and scare women who's main goal was to marry and start a family. I think the picture of the woman caressing the man's face makes it a very effective form of advertising. It shows a woman with beautiful hair and pretty hands seducing a man. The photo reinforces the headline directly above it, which reads "Gorgeous Hair. . . Lovely Hands. . . with these a woman conquers!" The headline + the photograph make the ad very persuasive. I also believe that the limited-time offers make this ad effective. The discounts are highlighted in a bright red box, which immediately attracts the eye, and the idea of a "limited-time offer" creates a sense of urgency. The consumer has to go out and buy the product fast or else she will miss out on the deal. This ad influences pop culture by reinforcing the idea that the main goal of a woman's life should be to find a proper husband and start a family. The ad is basically saying that if a woman doesn't look her best, she'll end up alone-- a scary thought to a woman at this time in history.

Comprehensive Analysis: 

In this ad, Proctor and Gamble is selling Drene shampoo (special shampoo for dry hair and regular shampoo) and Danya new-type preparation for dry hands. The ad was published in 1939. This advertisement was published in the magazine Woman's Home Companion. The advertising style present in this advertisement is tabloid style. The main photo at the top, paired with the copy broken up by smaller pictures is a dead giveaway. The advertisement looks like a tabloid newspaper and endorsement in order to give the selling message more credibility. The advertising method used is definitely a soft-sell approach. The ad appeals to a woman's longing for romance and doesn't make any logical claims as to why a woman needs to buy the products. This product would be important to a woman in this time period because of the general belief that good hygiene and looks would land a woman a husband. The product would also make a single woman looking for a husband feel more self-confident. There are no stereotypes in this advertisement.