Monday, November 16, 2015

American Soldier- Photos Make the Story

A. What is the most powerful image from the slideshow? Why?
I think the most powerful photo would have to be the one with the soldier at night with the wire behind him, and a man or prisoner he seems to be ushering ahead. This photo is important because it shows the new soldier in action for the first time. It shows Fisher redefining himself as a soldier and an adult.

Set 1 - at home  - Image #1 to Image #3
Set 2 - basic training - Image #3 to Image #13
Set 3 - in Iraq - Image #13 to Image #27
In Image #28 he is back at home in Denver

C. Which set of images was the most powerful? Why?
Set 3, where the young soldier is in Iraq is the most powerful. The viewer sees Fisher become a man and a solider, as he  completes dangerous tasks in Iraq. He is no longer the boy he was when he entered the army, and I can see that in set 3. One can see the hardships the soldiers face, and the big difference of basic training (from set 2) and the real thing.


D. How do the images work together to tell a story?

The images show snapshots of Fisher's life, exclusively his journey being a soldier. Each shot shows a specific milestone from either him at home, basic training, and his time in Iraq. The picture's locations help indicate where Fisher is on his journey and express the emotion that the soldier undergoes through on in this chapter of his life. 

E. For the photos in which Ian is the main subject of the photos, in what tense are the verbs usually written?
The verbs are usually written in present tense. 

F. How do the captions enhance the photographs?
The captions provide background information on Fisher. They let the reader better understand Fisher's personality. The captions enhance the photographs because the person viewing has a deeper knowledge and understanding of Fisher, and therefore is able to better analyze the photographs. 

G. Summarize the story of Ian Fisher, based just on the captions. 
Ian Fisher, who was somewhat of a troublesome kid, enlists into the military. He goes through basic training, where he meets new friends. In this time, Fisher struggles with balancing his at home life and military life, and gets into some trouble.With his second chance, Fisher serves in the Iraq war. When coming back home, Fisher is changed for the better.

2. What was his motivation for joining the military?
Ian's joined the military because he wanted to fight. Throughout his life Fisher was known to be loyal and fight for others, and had gotten into some trouble in high school. 

3. What kind of problems did he encounter during basic training?

During basic training, he injured his elbow, which was already injured from childhood, that negatively effected Fisher. Fisher almost quit during this period. 

4. What part of Ian's pre-military life caused him the most problems as he was being trained and while on deployment?

Ian struggled with following orders, smoking, drug use, and his breakup with Kayla. Fisher struggled with balancing his at home life with military life. 

5. What happened when Ian had a mid-tour break and returned home?

He proposes to his girlfriend, kayla. 

6. How did Iraq change Ian?

Iraq changed Ian from being a confused boy, to being a man and soldier who acknowledged his mistakes. Fisher gets married finally, and is ready to take on adult responsibilities in the world.

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