In John Berger’s essay, “The Suit and the Photograph,” Berger did a superior job at describing the difference between each photograph and their meanings behind them. He used a type of approach that I wasn’t familiar with at first, but it then became clear and was successful at doing so.
Berger begins by talking about the photographer August Sander, who is responsible for taking the three photos that were discussed in the essay. He mentions that although there are obvious differences between the photos, there are noticeable similarities as well. One of the main similarities is their expression on their faces and the look in their eyes. As each man in the three photos are looking into the camera, Berger says, “And did he refer to history in …show more content…
He mentioned that Sander took on this “enormous task” without truly realizing just how important of a role it would play out to be in the future. Benjamin says that what Sander did was an “unprejudiced observation, bold and at the same time delicate, very much in the spirit of Goethe’s remark: ‘There is a delicate form of the empirical which identifies itself so intimately with its object that it thereby becomes theory.’” Benjamin also says that without really knowing so, Sander prepared a comparative photography, which takes on scientific standpoints that goes past himself.
Berger then goes into great detail about the photographs and the true meaning that lies behind each one. He not only talks about the history behind the men, and WHY they are wearing what they are, but more specifically, HOW are these men wearing these suits. Sure, in each photograph, there are men wearing suits, everyone can clearly see that. But, once you take a closer look, there are so many details that let the viewer know that these men are probably more different, than they are alike under the circumstances of the meaning behind their …show more content…
He goes into some detail talking about if the photographer, August Sander knew that this comparison of these men in their suits would become such a well-known analysis.
Berger then goes on to explaining the first photograph. Right away he mentions that those men are peasants, and “20 or 30 years earlier, such clothes did not exist at a price which peasants could afford.” He talks about how rare suits are in Western European villages, and usually the “dark” suits are worn only for special occasions or on Sundays.
Next, Berger describes an experiment that he wants his readers to do to further his theory. He tells us to block out of the faces of the band members and look only at their clothing. Can we tell just from that, what their class is? He mentions that they could possibly be workers instead of peasants and if we were there to physically touch and see their hands, we would easily be able to tell their class. Not only by looking at their physical body, but additionally the materials that the suits are made out of. Berger goes into some critical analysis saying, “Here the clothes look less absurd, less “abnormal” than the men’s bodies which are in
Berger begins by talking about the photographer August Sander, who is responsible for taking the three photos that were discussed in the essay. He mentions that although there are obvious differences between the photos, there are noticeable similarities as well. One of the main similarities is their expression on their faces and the look in their eyes. As each man in the three photos are looking into the camera, Berger says, “And did he refer to history in …show more content…
He mentioned that Sander took on this “enormous task” without truly realizing just how important of a role it would play out to be in the future. Benjamin says that what Sander did was an “unprejudiced observation, bold and at the same time delicate, very much in the spirit of Goethe’s remark: ‘There is a delicate form of the empirical which identifies itself so intimately with its object that it thereby becomes theory.’” Benjamin also says that without really knowing so, Sander prepared a comparative photography, which takes on scientific standpoints that goes past himself.
Berger then goes into great detail about the photographs and the true meaning that lies behind each one. He not only talks about the history behind the men, and WHY they are wearing what they are, but more specifically, HOW are these men wearing these suits. Sure, in each photograph, there are men wearing suits, everyone can clearly see that. But, once you take a closer look, there are so many details that let the viewer know that these men are probably more different, than they are alike under the circumstances of the meaning behind their …show more content…
He goes into some detail talking about if the photographer, August Sander knew that this comparison of these men in their suits would become such a well-known analysis.
Berger then goes on to explaining the first photograph. Right away he mentions that those men are peasants, and “20 or 30 years earlier, such clothes did not exist at a price which peasants could afford.” He talks about how rare suits are in Western European villages, and usually the “dark” suits are worn only for special occasions or on Sundays.
Next, Berger describes an experiment that he wants his readers to do to further his theory. He tells us to block out of the faces of the band members and look only at their clothing. Can we tell just from that, what their class is? He mentions that they could possibly be workers instead of peasants and if we were there to physically touch and see their hands, we would easily be able to tell their class. Not only by looking at their physical body, but additionally the materials that the suits are made out of. Berger goes into some critical analysis saying, “Here the clothes look less absurd, less “abnormal” than the men’s bodies which are in