The Exploration of Imagery in 'Chimerica' Anonymous 11th Grade

Lucy Kirkwood’s Chimerica is an emphatic piece of literature that explores the differences in the systems of government in China and America. The way in which images are presented are crucial to the development of the story, which begins and ends with the interpretation of the most prevalent photo - The Tank Man. Joe’s taking of the photo is an image of defiance, heroism and individualism, yet different characters and players on the international stage interpret it in different ways - the Chinese government used Joe’s photo as propaganda, and how it was emblematic of their mercy. This essay will explore the ways in which Kirkwood utilises photography and different interpretations from external sources to assess them through three key points; communism and capitalism, politicisation and personalisation, and contextual sources.

Joe Schofield, the photographer of the ‘Tank Man’ captures said photo as an image of defiance, heroism and individualism; one man standing up to the communist party, as an image of American liberty. However, throughout the text, we confront a multiplicity of perspectives. Tess interprets it and utilises it as an image of consumerism and capitalism, which Pengsi disapproves of. Tess commercialises the...