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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. Neither compassion nor moral indignation would be enough to do which of the following?

2. The West had a long tradition of viewing war as which of the following?

3. Sontag writes that provocative images may have which of the following effects on viewers?

4. Sontag suggests that it is still possible to "feel the pulse of Christian iconography" in much war photography. Which famous work of art does she suggest can be seen in W. Eugene Smith's photograph of the woman in Minamata cradling her child?

5. Sontag claims that Bataille could see extreme pain as a form of __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. In her discussion of the emotional impact of artistic renderings of suffering, Sontag referrs to Kabuki or Bunraku plays. What are these plays? Why does Sontag include this example?

2. Although there are more images broadcast, Sontag suggests that the human response to suffering is relatively unchanged. Discuss Sontag's views on our capacity for dealing with suffering.

3. Why does Sontag refer to the argument that image-glut desensitizes us to images of suffering as "conservative"?

4. How does our contemporary view of suffering differ from earlier, more traditional Western views?

5. Sontag suggests that there is a rise of sadism in contemporary culture. Discuss this assertion using specific examples.

6. How does Sontag refute claims that photography is somehow inherently more voyeuristic than other forms of observation?

7. Why did the people of Sarajevo object to having scenes of their war represented alongside scenes of the conflict in Somalia?

8. Sontag discusses two widespread ideas about the influence of photography. What is the first idea? Discuss it including one example.

9. Why does Sontag say that "it is not necessarily better to be moved?" Discuss the negative aspects of sentimentality.

10. Ultimately, Sontag notes that to discuss the desensitization of all television viewers is a provincial move, at best. Why does she argue this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sontag also traced the relationship between the presence of the press and the practice of war-making. In one example, she discussed the execution of a suspected Vietcong soldier by Brigadier General Loan, suggesting that the execution was a performance for the photographer present on the scene. Does media coverage affect the waging of war? Are journalists neutral and uninvolved? Discuss the relationship between journalists' presence and soldiers' behavior. Provide specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

In her argument about representation, Sontag also addressed the significance and ethics of censorship. It would seem that standards of good taste or propriety are fairly often at odds with the constitutionally protected freedom of the press. Delve into the issue of censorship. Are there instances in which censorship is the ethical choice? If so, when? If not, why not? Need public interest and censorship be at odds? Or, is censorship designed with public interest in mind? Defend your position with ample support and specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Sontag suggested that galleries as venues for war photography and images of atrocity may not produce the proper reverence for the subjects and their suffering. Her main contention was with the environment which cultivates casual interest. Do you agree? Does displaying images of atrocities in public places diminish their effect? Are we, as Sontag suggests, less likely to linger and contemplate? Support your discussion with evidence and relevant analysis.

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