Daniel Donovan 

Philips 

M/W - 2:20

13 March 2016

"Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima"

In February, 1945, Joe Rosenthal captured the picture later titled "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima." U.S. soldiers are shown raising the American Flag on top of Mount Suribachi after the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II (Masoner). There are 6 soldiers shown in the photograph, however only half are facing the camera and hardly any of their faces can be made out. Partially due because the image was taken in 1945, when the only colors available for photographers were black and white. Because of the lack of color it is difficult to clearly make out the details in the background of the photograph as well. The consistent shaded area above the debris on the left side of the photograph is more than likely the ocean, however it also could be a continuation of the grassland pictured in the lower portion of the image. The lighter contrast of mainly white color in the top of the photo is most likely picturing the sky, showing it was a slightly cloudy but rather clear day - or potentially smoke from the preceding battle. Finally, the foreground of the photo is what captures the audience's attention. The hill the soldiers (marines to be specific) are standing on is littered with debris, barbed wire, and other pieces of scrap metal depicting what kind of destruction must have occurred during the battle.  The picture is very significant, not only because it was one of the most iconic moments of World War II, but it was also the deadliest battle in Marine history. With over 6,000 dead Marines, a third of the total lost in the war  (Cowley).  The victory was even more significant for America because it eventually caused the Japanese to surrender, ending World War II. Although Rosenthal insisted that the picture was captured as it happened, the issue of wether or not the photograph was staged is still questioned and debated today (Masoner). Rosenthal used lines, color, and structure to help convey his message in the picture clearly which holds weight to strong themes of nationalism and pride as well as a depiction of constant struggle.  

The geometrical layout of this photograph gives insight into some of it's deeper meanings. In the forefront of the photo is the American flag, the line formed by the diagonal pole is the feature of the photograph. The shape the flag pole forms is a result of the U.S. soldiers raising the flag. This movement conveys the raising of the flag by the U.S. soldiers, a flag that was presumably once fallen, symbolizing victory. Contrary to a fallen flag which represents defeat and loss. The symmetry in the layout of the photo reiterates the idea of strength. The light on the spectrum of the gray scale (black and white photo) in the background and lower parts of the photo are darker. This represents the metaphoric darkness that was the battle that occurred in the valley previously, and the destruction associated with it. The darkness in the bottom level also draws attention to the focus of the photograph, which is in the center of the photograph in the lighter portion. The even balance of dark gray on the background, and the lighter scale in the center of the photo almost shines a light on the focus of the photo. This spotlight falls on the soldiers victoriously raising the flag which portrays strength. This observation is nothing special, but it does lead to looking a bit deeper into this symbolic interpretation. The photograph shows that the strength as a result of victory is there, but not without struggle and a collective strength behind the 5 marines that it takes to raise the flag. This back and forth clash between victory and the strength it takes to persevere to victory and the struggle endured is a consistent theme in the picture. 

Victory is central theme of Rosenthal's photo. This can be seen in the structure of the photo, in the vertical orientation of the soldiers and the United States flag that is being lifted up. A negative posture from the marines would have indicated the opposite, portraying defeat in the previous battle. Furthermore, there is a sense of pride and accomplishment through the heroic shape of Rosenthal's capture. The image portrays victory, a theme that can constantly be found hand in hand with pride. The soldiers in the photo are also shown placing the flag in a specific spot, on top of the mountain that they had just conquered in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The high ground of the battle, and the island, is a fitting place to mount the red white and blue and only reminds the audience of the idea of victory and a champion effort. 

Yet another underlying theme of this image is the connection and reflection of American patriotism. The effort of the task the U.S. soldiers take on of raising the American flag is more symbolic than one might see at first. The Battle of Iwo Jima is an iconic moment in American history, in part because of the photo, but also because of the battle itself. With a battle raging over the island these marines display the true importance they place on the symbolic meaning of the American flag to their country (Cowley). Despite the many lives lost in this deadliest battle in marine history, the timeless act of raising the flag over the conquered battlefield remains a priority. A two-sided meaning of pride in victory and honoring the fallen soldiers at the same time with a simple act. Said act is a display of heroism, which translates into extreme pride as well as a overwhelming sense of nationalism. This moment in American history is a notable piece that has contributed to American's intense ever-growing nationalism that we still see today. In fact, many would say that Rosenthal's "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" is the most iconic wartime image captured that American's associate their national pride with. 

The themes and symbols of victory, pride, and nationalism are evident in this photograph and the meaning behind it. However, the intensity of these ideas derives from the struggle America endured during World War II that makes American's feel so passionately. The Battle of Iwo Jima was the deadliest battle in Marine history, and countless more lives were lost in the war altogether. Back home many citizens were asked to aid the wartime efforts in numerous ways, for example women taking over vacant work in factories due to workers leaving for the war. Rosenthal's photo portraying the struggle of the American soldiers at Iwo Jima, is also a representation of this struggle that American's back home were enduring as well. To expand on that thought, the background of the photo is also a symbolic representation of the road ahead for both the soldiers and the country all together. The background and foreground of the image is covered with debris and wreckage as a result of the battle that just occurred, and although the marines were victorious it is evident there work to be done. This is the same for the citizens back in the U.S. who have a long road ahead and many different aspects in recovering from the war. The parallelism between the struggle of the soldiers and that of their nation's people back home is certainly a notable aspect of Rosenthal's piece. 

Another take on the photograph is that Rosenthal is trying to express the defeat and loss of the moment, and focus on the soldiers struggles both past and future. Also, the photo is depicting the soldiers current struggle in their attempt to raise the flag on the top of the battlefield. As mentioned before it was the deadliest battle in U.S. marine history, and many lives were lost that day and in the years leading up to the battle of Iwo Jima. The American flag is often used as a somber tribute to the fallen and being the centerpiece of this photo it can be argued that memory is a part of its underlying meaning. Referring back to the analysis of the importance of the black and white, as well as the gray scale also has a connection to this interpretation of the photograph, the color gray is often representative of somberness. This alternative take on the image has valid points, however the stronger argument lies with the influence of patriotism, strength and victory. Although there is certainly evidence of struggle, the marines have a posture of perseverance rather than defeat. 

Joe Rosenthal seamlessly captured multiple prominent idealisms behind American culture in a spur of the moment wartime photograph which has go on to be one of the most iconic images in American history. In fact, the image is renowned it may be the most reproduced photograph of all time (Masoner). There is a case to be made to argue the photograph has a undertone of sorrow and the focus is death and defeat. But the strong structure of the photo combined with the symbols of patriotism and defeat seem to trounce any notions of defeat. The image Rosenthal captured in February of 1945 paints a timeless tale of one of perhaps the most important period in history in a simple black and white photograph. 

Works Cited 

Masoner, Liz. "Raising The Flag On Iwo Jima, Joe Rosenthal." Military History Monthly. Military History Monthly, 12 May 2011. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Cowley, Robert. "Battle of Iwo Jima." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 23 May 2013. Web. 8 Mar. 2016.
