War Photographer Flashcards
What is the summary of the poem
The poem is about how the speaker describes a war photograher developing photos in a dark room
What is the summary of the pictures
The speaker depicts huge amounts of suffering in their pictures
The speaker describes how most people will glance over a few of them in the newspaper from the comfort of their safe homes
The speaker says they won’t understand fully and they also wont do anything about what they see
Who is carol ann duffy
Carol Ann Duffy is a Scottish poet who was appointed Britain’s Poet Laureate in 2009.
She has won several awards, including an OBE for services to poetry.
What is the inspiration behind the poem
Duffy’s own friendship with a war photographer is the inspiration behind the poem.
She explores the complex and potentially controversial role of a war photographer, who is so close to horrific events but can do nothing to help.
What is the purpose behind the poem
Carol Ann Duffy highlights how people in the West are isolated from the horrors of war in other parts of the world.
We are therefore desensitised to the suffering and only read about it before turning the page to something else.
How does the poem change focus
The photographer.
To the images of war zones he developed.
To the lack of care of those living a safe life in the West.
To a brief reflection of the nonchalance (lack of interest or empathy) of the photojournalist towards the suffering.
What is the rhymn scheme
The ABBCDD rhyme scheme in each stanza, with most lines being 10 syllables, seems a bit muddled.
It could reflect the photographer’s futile (useless) attempt to establish order in a chaotic and distressing situation.
Quotes of image of pain
“Running children in a nightmare heat”
“Cries of this man’s wife”
“Blood-stained”
“Fields which don’t explode beneath the feet”
Quotes for image of comfort
“Rural England”
“Ordinary pain which simple weather can dispel”
“Sunday supplement”
“Eyeball’s prick with tears between the bath and pre-lunch beers”.
What is the main contrasting view
The contrast between the comfortable and safe lives of those in countries unaffected by war, and the indescribable horror of those living in war-torn countries is a running theme throughout the poem.
Anaylse of the country list
Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh.”
These one-word sentences/caesura (breaks in the line) give the poem a stop-start feel.
This could reflect the casual and dismissive tone of those unaffected by suffering.
How are the charcaters uncaring attitudes portraied
The editor in the poem and those who browse the images on a Sunday morning represent these uncaring attitudes.
They represent the lack of empathy or thought that some people have for those affected by war.
What is the role of war photographer
Carol Ann Duffy uses War Photographer to explore the complex and potentially controversial role of a war photographer. A war photographer is close to horrific events but can do nothing to help.
How is relief shown
The opening phrase “finally alone” indicates a sense of relief. The photographer is able to separate himself from what he has seen and begin to process it.
How should i approach the work
The poem has a generally neat and ordered form on the page.
This could mimic the way war photographers have to have a practical, emotionless approach to their work as they face the chaos of war.
It could also signify the photographer’s serious and careful approach to his work.
