Lange's Photography

Dorothea Lange's photography shows more than just a picture from the past. Lange's photographs from the depression not only show the people and actions, but also show the memories, hurt, pain, and way of life from the depression.

The photograph of the mother looking forward and the children almost ducking behind her shows that she is the only protection they have. She does not have the look of fear on her face so she is a brave woman, but she does have a look of concern and confusion, maybe about what will be the next step in their life. The clothes also help show the situation this family was put it. They obviously had no money to put towards clothing.

The photograph of the mother, ring on finger, holding one child and another leaning their head on her shoulder shows many different feelings. The ring symbolizes the husband of the woman or maybe the memory of a husband. Either way, this ring could also symbolize the last hope for the family since it's the last thing they seem to have in good condition. The mother's face also seems strong in this picture, again, not full of fear. From the faces and actions of the two children, they seem to be not necessarily clueless, but not fully aware of how bad the situation their family is in. One child is sleeping and the other seems to be dazed off, neither of the faces seem to have worry.

The last photograph shows the family as a whole and their surroundings. They use their luggage as furniture and bed sheets and their car as shelter. The luggage, car, and bed sheets are not in good condition, but it's all they have to use. This is the first time the children seem to be aware of the situation and seem hurt and scared.