How does the poem 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy convey the photographer's internal state of mind and thoughts successfully?
The photographer in the poem 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy is portrayed by the poet as quite and cool detached in his dealings with the pain-riddled images of suffering he/she has to handle every day. Most normal decent human beings recoil in horror to see the sight of other human beings being attacked, burnt or in pain but this person is a professional and he or she has an important job to do in getting the truth out to the world. In a way war correspondents and photographers and camera men have to try to detach themselves from the shock of what is happening aroiund them as to intervene or get upset would be distracting and delay getting the reports out.
The photographer's internal state of mind (quiet detachment and concentration) can be picked up all the way through the poem, but one example would be the darkroom where the poet creates an atmosphere and image of silence and reverence. This is helped by the feelings of dark and the steady altar-like glow of the red warning light. Here, as in the mind, the mood is one of concentration and focus with no distractions, involvement or sound from the outside world. The professional handles the images with reverence as they were so dangerous and difficult to get - and so vital to get right.