The overall purpose this writing project is to analyze arguments made by the photographer in the picture British tank men study U.S. tanks between battle in Egypt... A gunner giving a talk on the 75mm gun. (From this point forward to be referred to as British tank men.) In order to achieve this purpose, I will first explain and analyze the historical context of the photograph, operating on the assumption it was taken sometime in 1942. This is the most logical date, given the history of the M3 Lee and the fighting in North Africa.In order to understand the argument of the photograph, I will be analyzing the appeals pathos and logos made in British tank men. To do this, I will examine at several elements within the photograph, all the while keeping the original audience in mind. Through this examination, my goal is to show the audience the extreme feelings of nationalism and determination the original audience would have felt.
The first technical element that will be examined is the significance of the vectors of attention. The photographer was making a specific argument when he decided the British crew should be looking at the American, and the American should be looking at the shell. For the purposes of the analysis, I will also be considering the tank as a person rather than an inanimate object, since way the tank is situated and its position in the picture are also significant. Through relating the historical context, my goal in analyzing vectors of attention is to show the audience how symbolic the vectors would be to WWII civilians.
The second technical element I will examine is the coloration. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, saturation, hue, and brightness. While there are certain limitations in this analysis due to period technology, the photographer was certainly making an argument when he made the background pure white and exaggerated the shadows on the tank and men.
In addition to examining the original argument of British tank men, I will examine the emotions and feelings in invokes in the 21st century viewer. Because of the historical context and the general failure of the M4 (and thus, American tanks in general), photographs such as these invoke very different emotions to us than the original viewers. Instead of the original audience’s pride, we feel a deep sorrow for the needless deaths caused by inferior technology. I will examine these unintended arguments that are in many cases opposite of what the photographer intended.
Since this paper will be posted on a blog, the general audience could be anyone in the English-speaking world. However, my primary audience is my professor and classmates. Because this paper is for an assignment at a university, it will employ a professional, non-conversational tone. However, since it is possible for almost anyone to view the paper, it will also be written is such a way that is accessible to anyone who has not read Compose, Design, Advocate. Key terms used in the paper will be briefly defined very few assumptions will be made about the audience’s knowledge and background.
The success of this writing project will be determined by the reaction of the viewer after reading it. If the reader reads the paper and understands the arguments made to both the original viewers and the modern viewer and how the technical elements of the photograph support those arguments, then success has been achieved. If the reader does not leave with such an understanding, the paper may be considered a failure.
My largest concern about this project is being too detailed in the historical context. As a student of history, it is very easy for me to get “carried away” and provide too much or unrelated information. This is a concern especially because of the rather limiting word count maximum.
Writing Project #1 will be a challenge for me. Since I have never analyzed photography before, it is something I am not very comfortable with. However, if I explain to my audience how the historical context, vectors of attention, and technical elements work together in British tank men to create cohesive arguments, this project may be considered a success.
In addition to examining the original argument of British tank men, I will examine the emotions and feelings in invokes in the 21st century viewer. Because of the historical context and the general failure of the M4 (and thus, American tanks in general), photographs such as these invoke very different emotions to us than the original viewers. Instead of the original audience’s pride, we feel a deep sorrow for the needless deaths caused by inferior technology. I will examine these unintended arguments that are in many cases opposite of what the photographer intended.
Since this paper will be posted on a blog, the general audience could be anyone in the English-speaking world. However, my primary audience is my professor and classmates. Because this paper is for an assignment at a university, it will employ a professional, non-conversational tone. However, since it is possible for almost anyone to view the paper, it will also be written is such a way that is accessible to anyone who has not read Compose, Design, Advocate. Key terms used in the paper will be briefly defined very few assumptions will be made about the audience’s knowledge and background.
The success of this writing project will be determined by the reaction of the viewer after reading it. If the reader reads the paper and understands the arguments made to both the original viewers and the modern viewer and how the technical elements of the photograph support those arguments, then success has been achieved. If the reader does not leave with such an understanding, the paper may be considered a failure.
My largest concern about this project is being too detailed in the historical context. As a student of history, it is very easy for me to get “carried away” and provide too much or unrelated information. This is a concern especially because of the rather limiting word count maximum.
Writing Project #1 will be a challenge for me. Since I have never analyzed photography before, it is something I am not very comfortable with. However, if I explain to my audience how the historical context, vectors of attention, and technical elements work together in British tank men to create cohesive arguments, this project may be considered a success.
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