war photographer

• • “In his dark room he is finally alone”

  The word “finally” has connotations of waiting a long time for something. This is effective as it emphasises that the photographer is relieved to be away from the suffering of the war.
• • “spools of suffering”

  Just as spools have many photos on them so too the photos are filled with complete horror and tragedy. This is effective as it suggests the spools quite literally become suffering and they only contain images of violence. The alliteration also emphasises the connection between the spools and the suffering they contain; they are one and the same thing.
• • “set out in ordered rows”

  The word “ordered” has connotations of structure and meticulously placed, suggesting the care that the photographer takes, adding to the respect the photographer has for the people in his photos and his need to find some order out the chaos of the he has witnessed.
• • “as though this were a church and he a priest preparing to intone a mass”

  Just as a priest spreads the word of God so too the photographer spreads the suffering of wars to the public. This adds to the idea that the photographer believes the word of war should be spread to everyone and is extremely important.
• • “Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh.”

  The use of minor sentences which is effective as it emphasises how many different war zones he has been to and how much suffering he has seen. This adds to the idea that war and suffering is everywhere.
• • “hands which did not tremble then/though seem to now”

   Duffy uses contrast of “then” and “now” to show how he was in control in the war zone so he could take the photos, but now he is home his emotions are taking over as he remembers the suffering.
• • “Rural England.”

  Duffy uses a minor sentence to emphasise the stark difference between his home and the war zones. The word “rural” also has connotations of fields and peace to show how different his world is. This is effective as it helps us understand why he struggles with his two lives.
• • “half-formed ghost”

   The word “ghost” has connotations of haunting and suggests that the photographer feels haunted by the death of the man; he cannot forget it.
• • “Blood stained into foreign dust.”

  The word “stained” has connotations of permanent and stuck, suggesting the memory of the suffering and horror will forever be etched into the photographer’s mind. However, the word “dust” has connotations of insubstantial or easily blown away, adding to the idea that these tragedies can be easily forgotten by those at home. The contrast of these words emphasise the effect of being a war photographer has on a person. 
• • “a hundred agonies in black and white”

  The word “hundred” has connotations of a lot, many or vast amount. This is effective as it emphasised the large number of photos of suffering the photographer has taken, adding to the horrific amount of horror the photographer has witnessed and documented. 
• • “pick out five or six/for Sunday’s supplement”

   The phrase “pick out” has connotations of choosing casually and without care, suggesting the editor is not treating the photos with the respect they deserve. The photos are not even considered important enough for the main paper, only the additional section. This is effective as it shows the photographer’s anger at this lack of respect.
• • “prick with tears”

  The word “prick” has connotations of a tiny, quick response

  that does not last. This is effective as it suggests that the readers’ response is superficial and they forget almost instantly, which angers the photographer.
• • “he stares impassively at where/he earns his living and they do not care”

  The word “impassively” has connotations of not feeling. This is effective as it suggests he must detach himself from the situation and his anger that they don’t care or he would not be able to do his job. This emphasises how different he feels to his countrymen, emphasising perhaps his feelings of isolation.