Robert Capa was a famous Hungarian photographer who portrayed the violence of combat and the cruelty of war. He covered five wars: The Spanish Civil War, The Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II, The 1948 Arab-IsraeliWar, and the First Indochina War. His works provided a unique angle on the impact of the wars and highlighted the line between what was right and wrong.
Denotation: The picture shows two soldiers taking cover on the battlefield. The older soldier is taking point while the younger soldier looks to follow the lead. It appears that the older soldier is dressed up in a uniform while the younger is wearing casual clothing. The right hand of the front soldier is carefully placed on the cover.
Connotation: The central meaning behind this photo is clear: wars are dangerous. The soldiers' stressed expressions and careful positioning creates a tense atmosphere, and the right hand placed on the rock emphasizes the caution. Another emphasis falls on the different levels and classes in the military. The older, more experienced soldier clearly has better gear. The imbalance especially points out the necessary yet unfair treatment of recruits. The angle of the photograph also creates an uncertainty as to what is behind the giant wall of rock. The uncertainty certainly carries over to summarize the surroundings of wars in general.
http://www.pbs.org/weta/reportingamericaatwar/reporters/capa/photo1.html
Denotation: An old man is pointing out directions for a younger soldier. The two are in a battlefield, but there does not seem to be immediate danger lurking around. The old man is dressed in shaggy clothing and carrying a long stick while the soldier is wearing military apparel.
Connotation: The photo displays a more peaceful yet still shattered situation. The background itself provides an atmosphere of death and decay. The soldier, however, symbolizes hope in desperate times. He is the hero, the savior, the light at the end of the tunnel. The old man's help highlights the cooperation between the thankful citizens and the military during times of war.
http://jozefpronek.livejournal.com/tag/mafia
I really like the opinions you discussed through your connotations. The photos are somewhat simple, but filled with meaning. Pictures of war in general hold a lot of meaning in them, especially these ones. I really like the picture of the older soldier standing guard behind a rock in front of the younger soldier. This symbolizes family and the care fellow soldiers have for each other. Both pictures display an older more certified soldier protecting and helping their younger followers. These photos make me happy. Although war is not something I see as happy, the way these people work together is something we all need to take into everyday life.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. It seems as though the closest bonding occurs during times of hardships, and these photographs highlight the concept of brotherhood/family. We can relate this with everyday life. For example, many fraternities/sororities use hazing to promote bonding and a sense of family. Sports teams may do this too. The adversity serves to bring out warmth that would normally be stored inside.
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