
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” This anonymously written quote seems to constantly loom in the back of people’s minds and has become a common saying for many. Therefore, the image titled “V-J Day in Time Square” does the same, its speaks to those worldwide and tells a story. A black and white photograph that is over seventy years old it still holds much value in terms of history. Most days in history that live in infamy often have images attached to them, this was an iconic day in history. Although the history of this day is important and should not be ignored it is more important for analysis to put the history to the side and focus on the actual photograph. Therefore, by looking at the angle at which these two people are kissing, those surrounding the two and the way that the background becomes unnoticed we can see that the photographer felt it important to release a message of empowerment in America, which most people do not see. This is important because America is a leading force in the world and these two people became a symbol of such strength after it was released. 

The angle of this photograph pulls the eye to the middle ground, which is this man and woman kissing in the middle of the busy world. The angle at which they are standing makes it clear that this is a passionate and powerful kiss in-and-of-itself. The angle draws the eye straight to the dip that this man seems to have thrown this woman into. Dipping a woman is usually associated with dancing and dancing often times represented happiness and glee, something that these two people probably have not had in a while. The two are very hardworking which is evident because they are both in working uniforms. The angle at which one’s eye is pulled is toward the most important part of the photograph, the part that others may relate to, two hard working people sharing a kiss in the middle of New York City, this is a symbol of pure joy. A moment that was captured in order to represent a time period of a different type of lifestyle. The photographer used this angle to draw the eye toward the story: “words” that this photograph truly exudes to the seer. The “words” that this photograph have encrypted are for the viewer to decide what it means to them; art is interpretation in itself. Some large and noticeable themes that many viewers seem to share are the love seen between these two, the glee, and the noticeable weight lifted off their shoulders. This is all seen through this infamous kiss. 

Surrounding these two are normal people who are all walking toward the two kissing. They are all walking in the same direction toward the viewer of the photograph. Each of their faces seem to be somewhat washed out, or hard to fully see but a common theme between all of them is that there is a smile plastered across their faces. They, similarly to the two kissing in the middle of time square, are overtaken by the joy and outlandish news that has infected the world as a whole. The world is moving in slow motion, yet it seems evident that the people walking in the background may not being moving slowly, but on the contrary they are hastily shifting toward the same place, possibly to celebrate with one another. Some stop to stare at the two kissing in the middle, others seem to be laughing as they pass, those who stop to stare gleam at the two kissing with awe and envy. Women and men alike are walking through in herds and talking to one another, something amazing has clearly occurred in all of these people’s lives they are beyond joyful. All those whom are walking are dressed in uniforms, they are either nurses, if they are women, or in the military they are men. A working force is powerful and more representative of America as a whole being a leading force in the world. 

Time square, which is often times known for being lit up and bright is now a dull background for this woman and man. The background acts as the normalcy and life that is surrounding them, they are now the center of time square. The background fades into these two people, its darkness makes their moment glide into the light. The busy streets around them seem to pause while their lives stop for a split second and are captured into a freeze frame. This iconic place in the world merely becomes a background for two new and exciting iconic people who symbolizes America at this moment in history.  Time Square is very faded in the background of this photograph, nothing is clear and the clearest part of the entire frame is the two people in the middle. This unfocused background leads the viewer to disregard the background as a whole and just merely focus on the two people because they are the most important and highlighted parts of this photograph. The stereotype of this city becomes true through this photograph, there is much chaos occurring behind these two people, it is crowded and full of so much life. This causes the importance to shift away from the city and to the people of the city, the people are what make America great, not the buildings and materials, at the end of the day, people, relationships and experiences are what truly bring America together. 

This photograph as a whole tells an in-depth story that may not be completely obvious at first glance but is clearly evident upon a greater and more detailed view. This view includes the fact that the photograph, although at this time was only able to be printed in black and white, it still tells a vibrant and colorful story for America as a whole. The foreground, middle ground and background of this photograph pose as the most important places to look for interpretation for such a photograph. This picture tells a story for and of America, it gives America meaning and life by placing these people in a powerful light for the world to see. Celebration and joy bring all people together and produce a reaction which sets a tone for the world. This photograph helps to set that tone for this time period. 
