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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Sontag, the idea that less people are reacting to news of atrocity is probably which of the following?
(a) Regrettably true.
(b) Painfully true.
(c) Somewhat true.
(d) Not true.

2. Which two things does Sontag say seem to go together?
(a) Heartlessness and amnesia.
(b) Amnesia and trauma.
(c) Death and heartlessness.
(d) Trauma and memory.

3. Which of the following phrases does Sontag use to refer to items which allow us to remember or think on death?
(a) Emblems of suffering.
(b) Photography.
(c) Memento mori.
(d) Memorabilia.

4. Sebastiao Salgado's work called "Migrations: Humanity in Transition" was often criticized as being:
(a) "Cinematic."
(b) "Generalizing."
(c) "Exploitative."
(d) "Melodramatic."

5. Sontag cites William Hazlitt's claim that sympathy is no more a part of human nature than is which of the following?
(a) Fear of pain.
(b) Love of cruelty.
(c) Fear of death.
(d) Love of power.

Short Answer Questions

1. Sontag claims that compassion requires which of the following in order to remain?

2. Although Sontag is pessimistic about the broad effects of atrocity photographs, she did mention one positive outcome. What was it?

3. Sontag lists three impulses which may be satisfied by viewing images of atrocities. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

4. Overall, Sontag seems to believe that images are ultimately which of the following?

5. Sontag claims that there is no way to guarantee which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Sontag, designating a hell is not enough; yet, she suggests that this ability to name an atrocity does accomplish something. What does this accomplish? What is the point of naming an atrocity an atrocity?

2. Why does Sontag refer to the argument that image-glut desensitizes us to images of suffering as "conservative"?

3. Sontag proposes that perhaps we place too much value on memory. What does she mean? Why does she posit this?

4. How does Sontag refute claims that photography is somehow inherently more voyeuristic than other forms of observation?

5. Sontag contrasts the perceived number of atrocities now with the number from years ago, and makes a specific claim about the rate of atrocity. Discuss this assertion.

6. Ultimately, Sontag notes that to discuss the desensitization of all television viewers is a provincial move, at best. Why does she argue this?

7. Although there are more images broadcast, Sontag suggests that the human response to suffering is relatively unchanged. Discuss Sontag's views on our capacity for dealing with suffering.

8. Sontag suggests that Wall's work affirms the normalcy of war. How so?

9. Why did the people of Sarajevo object to having scenes of their war represented alongside scenes of the conflict in Somalia?

10. According to Sontag, how does Goya's "The Disasters of War" differ from most depictions of mutilated and tortured bodies?

(see the answer keys)

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