You will want to identify in what context you are examining the flag.  A contemporary use of the flag?  Looking at the flag as it has changed over time? The use of the flag in memorials or patriotic contexts? The use of the flag in protest? So think about rhetorical situation in the case of how you will analyze the flag.
explain various aspects of the artifact, its language use (if relevant), physical appearance (if non discursive), style, tone, characters, plot, etc. Additionally students will write about the historical context – relevant events influencing, leading to and following from the artifact.