Slaughterhouse-Five
Optic Analysis
This photo represents the idea that time is a scary thing. Time is constantly ticking and never stops for anything or anyone. The picture represents the idea that everyone needs to get away from present time and visit past moments, or perhaps even future moments. The picture doesnt prove that this is possible, yet it suggests the need and want of a person to visit different moments of his life.
The image portrays a watch in the forefront; it is the only image in the photograph that is in focus, therefore, the reader's eyes are drawn to it automatically. The watch is lying on a dirt road; that of anold setting, one that is not modern, perhaps a time of war. The old setting is also shown in the archaic fashion of the discarded watch. Also in the image is a dark sky over the watch. Farther away from the watch is light sky, possibly sunny. There is a blurred figure seemingly running towards the light part of the sky.
The title Moment clarifies that time is just a series of moments. The moment that this photograph was taken wascaptured when the photographer pressed the button on his camera. The exact second of time is captured in the photograph. This is not reality, however,because reality is that time is ever-ticking. Time always moves, but each second is a moment that  can call back to memory. Time moves all around us, but we have the capability of calling a moment back into our thoughts, so a moment is never really lost.
The watch is the main focus of the photograph not only because it is the only focused part of it, but because  all the other parts are connected to the watch. The sky over the watch is dark because time issupposed to be potrayed as the "bad guy." The blurred figure in the backgroundlooks as though it is running away from time itself, although it is only the watch. The figure is running toward the brighter sky, where perhaps there is no time, or happier times.
This photo can be viewed as the look into the life of Billy Pilgram from Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy is always running away from the time he is currently in to another time in his life that is similar. The watch represents his current life, which is at times horrific, and at times unhappy. The grey sky over the watch represents his memories of the war and Dresden, and the light sky signifies his need for happier times, and the need for life to go on. He strives to reach that time.
Criticism Theme Symbol
Historical Context Dowell McMullen Poetry