Question 1: Describe what the photographer's role is as depicted in the first stanza. How does this introduce the theme of conflict?

Answer: The photographer's role is to develop and process images of war, highlighting the contrast between his calm environment and the chaos of war zones, introducing themes of conflict and responsibility.

Question 2: What does the line 'a hundred agonies in black-and-white' suggest about the nature of war images? How does this relate to the theme of memory?

Answer: It suggests that war images are static, stark, and painful, emphasizing the lasting impact on viewers' memories and the emotional burden carried by the photographer.

Question 1: Find and analyze the metaphor in the line 'the blood stained into foreign dust'. What does this symbolize?

Answer: It symbolizes the lasting physical and emotional scars of war, with blood staining the land, emphasizing the destructive impact of conflict.

Question 2: Identify the simile in the line 'like a priest preparing to intone a mass'. How does this imagery affect the reader’s understanding?

Answer: It compares the photographer to a priest, suggesting a ritual or solemn act, emphasizing the seriousness and reverence of his work.

Question 1: How does the poem explore the theme of power, especially in relation to war and the media?

Answer: The poem suggests that war has immense destructive power, but the media's portrayal can diminish or distort this power, highlighting a complex relationship between reality and perception.

Question 2: In what ways does the poem address the theme of memory and its impact on both the photographer and the audience?

Answer: It shows that images of war are preserved in memory, affecting viewers emotionally and ethically, and that the photographer is haunted by these memories, reflecting the enduring trauma.

Question 3: Explain how Duffy presents the idea of conflict — both physical and moral — in the poem.

Answer: Physical conflict is depicted through the war images, while moral conflict arises from the photographer’s dilemma over whether to intervene or document passively, highlighting ethical questions.

Question 1: Briefly outline how you would compare the representation of power in 'War Photographer' and 'Ozymandias'. Consider themes, language, and form.

Answer: In 'War Photographer', power is shown as destructive and overwhelming, often beyond human control, depicted through imagery of war and suffering. 'Ozymandias' presents power as arrogant and fleeting, symbolized by the ruined statue and its inscription. Both poems explore the impermanence and hubris of power, but while 'War Photographer' emphasizes moral responsibility and emotional impact, 'Ozymandias' highlights the vanity of human achievements.

Question 1: Analyze the quote: 'The only light is red and softly glows'. What is the significance of the color 'red' and the word 'softly'?

Answer: The red light symbolizes danger, violence, or blood, highlighting the trauma associated with war. The word 'softly' contrasts with this, perhaps indicating a subdued or hidden suffering, emphasizing the emotional suppression or the quiet aftermath of violence.

Question 1: Draft a plan outlining your essay on how 'War Photographer' explores the emotional and moral impact of war. Consider themes, language, structure, and poetic techniques.

Answer: Introduction: Brief overview of the poem and its themes. Body paragraph 1: How imagery and metaphors depict the horrors of war. Body paragraph 2: Use of language devices to evoke empathy and moral questioning. Body paragraph 3: The structure and perspective emphasizing the distance and emotional toll. Conclusion: Duffy’s overall message about the lasting scars of conflict and the responsibility of viewers.