1. Stark 1
Anthony Stark
English 101: Composition I Photograph is provided
with a title.
Professor Williams
April 25, 2012
Berlin Wall: A Photograph Analysis
The photograph “Berlin Wall, 1987” has several features which make
it easy to analyze according to the elements of composition described in
Historical detail here is
Frames of Mind. In 1989, the Wall was torn down, and East and West relevant and establishes
Germany were united. However, two years earlier things remained as background informa-
tion about the subject
they had been since the end of World War II: Berlin was a city divided. of the photograph.
While many would argue that the focal point of this photograph is the
Berlin Wall, stretching vertically across the picture, a more significant The focal point is the
first element of visual
focal point is the child on a bicycle in the bottom right hand corner. As he composition described
in the piece and a key
rides, he is hemmed in by the Wall. Since wheels and movement repre-
feature of a visual
sent some measure of freedom, his presence on a bike is most ironic. analysis
Figure-Ground Contrast plays the most critical role in this photo. The
Symbolism and
child is dwarfed by the menacing Wall and the other repressed Germany irony are also noted.
which exists behind it. The Wall has been gaudily decorated with brightly The image conveys
meaning by relying
colored paint. Very loosely translated, the words call concerned Germans upon commonly held
associations the
to merge, reunify, and free themselves. Over the Wall, East Berlin looks readers attach to
impoverished. It appears that the building is abandoned, the letters in its common symbols, also
known as connotations.
former name rusting.
Color plays a key role in highlighting certain elements of the photo- The explanation of
figure-ground contrast
graph. The child is dressed in red, and he rides a yellow bicycle. Red and here centers around
the juxtaposition of the
yellow are both used in the paint seen on the wall. Red and yellow are child to the Wall and
the city behind the Wall

2. The final body para-
graph, beginning on the
first page and ending
Stark 2 here, centers around
a different element of
generally bright colors, associated with happiness, and they are the only
}
visual composition:
color.
bright colors in this picture. East Berlin, on the other side of the wall is
drab, dismal gray. A dingy green color is the only exception.
Certain photographs have the ability to tell a story by themselves, as
long as the viewer understands the context in which they were written.
While most children enjoy the company of others their own age, this boy The conclusion
manages to include how
is solitary, the victim of a political system in need of overthrow. The Wall the photograph includes
literally separates him from other children, some of whom, ironically, the quality of narration.
may be blood cousins he will never know. The Wall is an ugly barrier –
physically and metaphorically.