War Photographer Flashcards

Flashcards on War Photographer by Carol Ann Duffy

Juxtaposition of “spools of suffering” in “orderly rows”

Illustrates the large-scale and systematic destruction caused by war, implying futility in imposing order on chaos.

Visual imagery of film spools in “orderly rows”

Evokes imagery of tombstones, emphasizing the serious nature of the war photographer’s work and a ritualized burying of the dead.

“War Photographer” by Carol Ann Duffy Summary

Explores the isolated world of a war photographer and the impact of witnessing atrocities, contrasting conflict zones with the indifferent world at home.

‘dark room’

Negative connotations beyond just the fact that there is very little light, i.e, disturbing or haunting.

Metaphor “spools of suffering”

Implies the films record human suffering, highlighting the stark reality of conflict and the photographer's significant work.

“The only light is red and softly glows, / as though this were a church and he / a priest preparing to intone a mass.”

Sensory language: Creates a solemn atmosphere in the darkroom, despite the violent connotations of the color red.

Caesura in list of cities (Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh.)

Draws emphasis to war-torn cities, prompting consideration of war's prevalence and the inevitability of death and suffering.

Biblical allusion “All flesh is grass”

Illustrates war's long history and humanity's connection to it, highlighting the fleeting nature of life.

“He has a job to do.”

May represent a coping mechanism or sense of duty for the photographer to detach from the horror and show the world the reality of war.

Juxtaposition between “Rural England” and war zones

Highlights the trivial nature of concerns in England compared to the horrors of war, demonstrating a disconnect between England and war zones.

“home to fields which don’t explode under the feet / of running children in a nightmare heat.”

Emphasizes lost innocence and the constant threat of violence.

“A half-formed ghost.”

Refers to the developing image, the haunting memory of the dead, and the psychological impact of trauma.

Sound imagery "cries of the man’s wife"

Paints a picture of grief, showing the necessity of bearing witness while highlighting the photographer's guilt.

Dehumanization of suffering

Shows the immense horror being reduced to a small selection for public consumption.

Juxtaposition of reader’s tears and pre-lunch beers

Highlights people’s disconnection from war and their fleeting empathy.

Impassively

Emotionless and apathetic.

“From the aeroplane he stares impassively at where / he earns his living and they do not care.”

He is detached toward England, and the public is apathetic (they are not interested) about his photography and the wars that he covers.