English

Poetry

War Photographer

Summary of the poem:

"War Photographer" by Carol Ann Duffy explores the experiences and emotional turmoil of a war photographer as he develops his photographs in a darkroom. The poem touches on themes of the horror of war, the photographer's detachment from his own society, and the increasing indifference of the public to the suffering depicted in the photographs.

Inspiration for the poem:

Duffy was inspired by her friendship with a war photographer, intrigued by the challenge they face in recording horrific events while being unable to directly help their subjects. She uses the poem to provoke readers to consider their response to the images they regularly see in newspapers and the desensitisation that has occurred over time.

Form of the poem:

The poem is structured in four regular six-line stanzas, each ending in a rhyming couplet. This structure contrasts with the chaotic and disturbing images described in the poem, mirroring the photographer's process of laying out films in an ordered manner.

---

Poetry

Summary of each stanza

Stanza 1:

In the opening stanza, the poem introduces the war photographer in a darkroom, comparing his work to that of a priest in a church. The photographer's process of developing film is depicted as a solemn ritual, and the stanza highlights the spirituality of his work and the sanctuary the darkroom provides. The stanza ends with a reference to the fragility of life, drawing a connection between the photographer's profession and the fundamental teachings of the Church.

Stanza 2:

This stanza shifts from the tranquillity of the darkroom to the photographer's job in the war zone. It explores the contrast between his calmness while taking photographs and the emotional impact of developing them later. The stanza touches on the idea that the photographer must distance himself from the subjects during his work. It also reflects on the injustice of war by contrasting rural England with the war zones and the threat of landmines for children.

Stanza 3:

The third stanza injects drama and suspense as something significant is happening in the darkroom. It reveals the photographer's photograph of a dying man, described as a "half-formed ghost." The photographer's memory of seeking the victim's wife's approval to capture this intimate moment on film demonstrates his sensitivity and vocation. The stanza reflects the emotional toll of the photographer's work.

---

Poetry

Stanza 4:

In the final stanza, the poem comments on how the images are received by the public, particularly by newspaper editors who select them for publication. The contrast between the hundreds of agonies the photographer has captured and the few images the editor chooses underlines the public's disinterest. The poem ends with the photographer departing for a new assignment, feeling detached from his countrymen and accepting that his photographs may ultimately make no real difference. It highlights the photographer's growing sense of indifference towards his own society.

Themes

The Horror of War:

This theme is depicted through the subtle and understated imagery that Duffy uses to convey the personal stories behind the conflicts. She emphasizes the personal cost of war by focusing on one image, forcing readers to confront the individual tragedies.

• Quote: "fields which don't explode beneath the feet / of running children"
• Development: Duffy subverts an innocent image into something sinister, highlighting the impact of war on children and the loss of their innocence.

Our Increasing Indifference to Victims of Conflict:

This theme explores the photographer's growing detachment from his own society and the public's indifference to the suffering depicted in the images.

• Quote: "The reader's eyeballs prick / with tears between the bath and pre-lunch beers."
• Development: The line underscores the disingenuous response of the readers, who shed tears briefly but then return to their ordinary lives, emphasizing the photographer's contempt for the indifference of the public.

---

Poetry

Images

The Darkroom:

The darkroom is presented as a place of sanctuary for the photographer, offering solace in the face of the horrors he witnesses. It's compared to a church and conveys the dedication he feels towards his occupation.

• Quote: "as though this were a church and he a priest"
• Development: The religious imagery highlights the photographer's commitment to his work and the contrast between the church's teachings and the images of war.

Half-Formed Ghost:

The image of a dying man is described as a "half-formed ghost," symbolizing his gradual appearance on the photographic paper and his transition into a ghostly existence.

• Quote: "a half-formed ghost"
• Development: This description underscores the photographer's sensitivity and the intimacy of capturing the man's final moments on film.

Style Techniques:

Anticipation-Inducing Phrases:

The poem uses phrases like "Something is happening" to create anticipation and suspense, drawing readers into the developing photograph.

• Quote: "Something is happening"
• Development: This phrase injects drama and suggests the photographer's lack of control in the development process.

---

Poetry

Short-Direct Sentences:

The use of short, direct sentences, such as "He has a job to do," adds to the clinical and matter-of-fact style, reflecting the detached approach required by war photographers.

• Quote: "He has a job to do"
• Development: The sentence emphasizes the photographer's professionalism and emotional detachment during his work.

Language Techniques:

Alliteration and Metaphor:

The use of alliteration and metaphor is evident in the line "spools of suffering set out," which emphasizes the harsh reality of the world the photographer operates in.

• Quote: "spools of suffering set out"
• Development: The harsh "S" sound and metaphor emphasize the harshness of the photographer's environment.

Emotive Language and Imagery:

The poem employs emotive language and imagery to convey the impact of war, such as "fields which don't explode beneath the feet of running children."

• Quote: "fields which don't explode beneath the feet / of running children"
• Development: The imagery subverts innocence into danger, highlighting the effects of war on children.

In "War Photographer" by Carol Ann Duffy, the photographer's inner conflict, the detachment from society, and society's increasing indifference to war's horrors are masterfully explored through vivid imagery and powerful language, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

---

Poetry

Personal Reflection:

1. How does the poem's portrayal of the war photographer's emotional journey prompt you to consider the ethical dilemmas in capturing human suffering through art?

2. How does the poem's portrayal of public desensitization to images of war and suffering affect your perception of these images in the media?

3. How does "War Photographer" challenge your view of the role of artists and journalists in shaping public awareness of global conflicts?