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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The preference in question #154 is actually used as the very definition of modern __________, according to Sontag.

2. Collecting photographs is easy. What is NOT one of the reasons for the ease of collecting photographs, according to this chapter?

3. Photographs in China are seen as another extension of _____________, which is why the film was misunderstood.

4. "_______- proud hosts may well pull out photographs of the place to show visitors how really splendid it is."

5. Some theorize that photography allows the artist to capture __________ during an off-guard moment.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are photographs considered to be a superior form of recording information, even more so than writing?

2. What does photography have the power to do to truly beautiful things, according to this chapter?

3. In 1839, why was photography briefly attacked by those in society, according to the history lessons of this chapter?

4. What do some theories speculate that photography allows the artist to capture when they are taking the photograph?

5. What is one of the methods of falsifying photographs without changing the photograph itself?

6. What do some philosophers - namely Balzac - have to say about the idea or the act of taking photographs?

7. What is difficult, if not impossible to do when it comes to looking at photographs, as opposed to looking at paintings?

8. What is the struggle that's described in relation to paintings versus taking photographs, according to Sontag?

9. What do some people think a photographer needs to 'become' in order to be proficient in his or her work?

10. What do photographs do to reality, according to this final chapter of the book as written by Sontag?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sontag makes a bold supposition that some artists create their works only to be photographed.

Part 1: Do you think an artist would only create something in order to get its picture taken?

Part 2: Why do you think artists create their pieces to begin with?

Part 3: Do you agree with Sontag's idea? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Poetry and photography are two pieces of art which are subject to interpretation. The author might have one intention, but the audience may find another.

Part 1: Why do you think photography is open to interpretation?

Part 2: Why do you think poetry is open to interpretation?

Part 3: Do you think poetry or photography is more open to interpretation? Why do you choose the answer you do?

Essay Topic 3

According to Sontag, painting favors beautiful items while photography favors less than attractive objects.

Part 1: Why do you think painting is used for beautiful items?

Part 2: Do you think painting can only be used for beautiful things? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think that photography focuses only on those things which are less attractive? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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