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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. In a sense, according to Sontag, photography actually helps to ____________ beauty as society defines it.

2. And others believe that all proficient photographers must metaphysically ________ the object which they are photographing.

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

4. Within photography have also been loosely organized __________, though not as strong as painting has had.

5. In 1839, photography was briefly attacked as something ___________ and disgraceful, according to the book.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did photography enjoy a sudden burst in popularity, according to the text in this chapter?

2. What do some primitive tribes think about the idea of taking pictures of other people, according to this chapter?

3. What do the Chinese tastes prefer to see in their films, which made the Italian director a poor choice for the documentary on Chinese life?

4. Sontag makes a bold assertion in regards to photography and the work of some artists. What does she assert?

5. How are vapid or banal objects made beautiful when they are photographed, according to this chapter?

6. What does a photographic portrait not need to do, instead it can mingle documentation with artistic rendering?

7. Why is it so simple for people in society to collect photographs, according to the text in this chapter?

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

9. What does Sontag see as the central tension in photography, according to the discussion in this chapter?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Diane Arbus took pictures of people in society who might be considered freaks, something Sontag seems to judge.

Part 1: How do you define the idea of 'freaks'?

Part 2: Do you think there is value in the Arbus pictures? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you agree that those who are not 'normal' as defined by society are freaks? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Sontag points out that some photographers are like scientists, documenting and examining the world.

Part 1: Why do you think photographers could be called scientists?

Part 2: Do you think photography is necessary in science? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think it's important to document the world? Or isn't it?

Essay Topic 3

Sontag also points out that some photographers are moralists, trying to identify a world vision.

Part 1: How do you think photographers are moralists? How does this label work?

Part 2: Why is it important to identify a world vision? Or isn't it?

Part 3: Is photography necessary in order to understand morality? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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