War Photographer Flashcards
“In his darkroom he is finally alone”
There is a peaceful sense of isolation created in this first line. ‘Darkroom’ has a dual meaning as it can also symbolise his mind. Word choice of ‘alone’ has tranquil connotations which juxtapose with war zones. He has finally gotten some reprieve from the horrific setting of war.
“spools of suffering”
Transferred epithet - the rolls of film aren’t suffering but the people in them are. The sibilance lengthens the line which mirrors their prolonged suffering. It’s as if they are still suffering which reflects the families who are left to grieve.
“set out in ordered rows”
‘Ordered’ conveys the photographers attempt to restore some organisation to the chaos of the photos. It also metaphorically suggests rows of bodies or gravestones.
“The only light is red and softly glows,”
‘Red’ has harsh connotations of blood, danger and death. This contrasts with ‘softly glows’. The red light also links to the light that continuously burns in a church to symbolise the presence of Christ. This makes the darkroom almost seem like a confessional.
“as though this were a church and he a priest preparing to intone a Mass.”
‘Church’ highlights that the darkroom is a place of peace and refuge for the photographer. The word choice of ‘priest’ also conveys his commitment to his task. It adds to the solemn tone as he stands up for those who don’t have the power to stand up for themselves. He is looking for an escape from the horrors he has had to endure.
“Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh.”
Minor one-word sentences link the devastation of war across many continents. The plosive alliteration also indicates the violence and the atrocities going on all over the world. This underlines the horror of war.
“All flesh is grass.”
This is an extract from the bible which reinforces the previous religious imagery. It highlights the fragility of life. The metaphor suggests that just as grass covers a large proportion of the earth, so too conflict is just as prevalent. ‘Flesh’ links to dead bodies and ‘grass’ is the war zones. The world is covered in war and conflict.
“He has a job to do.”
This short declarative sentence conveys his matter of fact tone. He has a sense of duty and determination. Despite the job being unpleasant, it is his duty and it has to be done.
“Solutions slop in trays”
Onomatopoeic use of ‘slop’ highlights the messiness of war. ‘Solutions’ has a dual meaning: it could represent the chemicals he is using to develop the pictures or how is desperately trying to contribute to resolving war.
“which did not tremble then though seem to now.”
It reflects his PTSD from having to experience horrific war-torn countries. He detaches himself from the subjects of his photographs in the moment but in his darkroom he allows himself to react to the terrible suffering. He begins to feel the effects of all he has endured.
“Rural England.”
Contrast - a beautiful, idyllic, calm setting juxtaposes to the violence and horror of war zones.
“ordinary pain which simple weather can dispel”
Oxymoron - The pain felt by people in England is unremarkable when compared to the atrocities people have to endure in countries with conflict. Our problems are insignificant and pain seems trivial because it can be solved by good weather.
“of running children in a nightmare heat.”
Reference to the famous photograph of a napalm attack in Vietnam. This creates a brutal contrast between England’s safety and the danger of war-torn countries. This exemplifies the injustice of the situation.
“Something is happening.”
Short sentence injects drama and suspense. This conveys how the photographer doesn’t have control over the photos developing.
“a half-formed ghost.”
This image is dually effective as it captures the gradual appearance of the man as the photo develops but also alluding to the fact that he is no longer alive.
