Relates to Sontag's argument that the photographer ultimately controls how someone is viewed in a photograph

text has some meta elements

text explores interesting concept of being a "projection of another man's dream," which also adds a new layer to what it means to be "alive." Living is not merely about having the body parts or the ability to function, it is also about being able to think and act for oneself. It is about being your own person, not a "simulacrum."

this reminds me of the phrase "begotten not made" found in many Christian texts to show how unique Christ's birth is

because the sorcerer is able to create things or dream them actually, he seems to be godlike

another phrase that supports the idea of yearning for the past. youth is something many older adults crave so makes sense that he would dream of younger days

also interesting how before he was dreaming of multiple individuals who had conscious and could speak/object to him in the classroom. now he dreams of a single person who has no conscious or functional abilities yet

symbolizes life, vitality

It seems the man focuses on dreaming to escape from some reality he's unhappy with. Teachers are important because the both educate and give guidance. People rely on them to build future generations, making them important individuals in society. Maybe the man misses the days when he was important and when people relied on him. the "tears of anger" not only indicate frustration, but also a slow realization that his dream is only a dream. Additionally, choosing to engage in active dreaming on old ruins gives the man's dreaming a nostalgic element and further supports the notion that he is longing for a time in the past that suited him better.

despite his hardship, character is resolute

How long has he been asleep? His wounds healed pretty fast unless he got them a while before coming to the circular enclosure

People may be suspicious of the newcomer, but care about the man's wellbeing

Foreigner has landed on what seems to be an ancient civilization. Where is he coming from? Why is he bloody and tried? Escaping sectarian violence?

interesting word choice

Motive? Why does he continue to fast if he's continually dissatisfied? Does he think breaking his record from the previous fast will earn him more fame, therefore give him a sense of purpose?

Connects to what Sontag wrote about people assuming a photograph shows the whole truth, is "accurate"

40 is significant in Catholic/Christian theology. Many sources believe 40 usually signifies a period of judgement or trial.

Interesting that the writer uses this number.

A way of saying emotional needs overpower physical ones?

Additionally, many cultures and religions fast to better themselves spiritually/to better their character. Unfortunately, the faster doesn't seem to be undergoing any change except becoming thinner.

In addition to there being a group of admirers, there is a group more interested in his downfall.

However, the faster may be annoyed by them because they are able to engage in activities that he cannot.

Could a female be a "professional faster" as well?

Ironic that someone who works with food would watch over someone choosing not to eat it. Butchers are a reminder that the professional faster is making a choice to "denourish" himself—no one is forcing him.

Interesting how long the third sentence in the paragraph is; connected by a series of semicolons

By "hunger artist," I assume Kafka means someone on a hunger strike. From my research, he wrote this story in 1922, a hard time for many Europeans since World War I (WWI) ended a few years earlier. After such tragedy, people definitely took issue with their governments and probably expressed their disapproval through actions like "professional fasting."

Great piece. Sontag brilliantly analyzes the art of photography, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks, while masterfully incorporating bits of history as examples of ways people use photos to convey their interpretation of reality.

great phrase! also elevates role of photographers as people who can control reality

What a powerful phrase! Sontag frowns upon the shift towards print media, which tries to convey actions and thoughts better expressed through photography through words. She isn't criticizing writing (she is a writer anyway), but she notes that different art forms serve different purposes. Although writing is an effective form of communication, photography may be more effective for certain issues. ex. war images more powerful/moving than articles about war

I also love how she used the word "leaching" here. The verb shows that both writing and photography can expose global issues. She seems to be addressing people who want to take a softer stance when it comes to criticizing/revealing problems.

• Important distinction to make between still photography and motion films; unlike moving pictures, still photography can capture and preserve the feelings and beliefs of a moment
• Being "cheap to produce" allows that moment to become palpable
• Accumulation and storage allow many moments to be captured and saved for generations to come