Death+and+Doctors

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= = = Death and Doctors! = The imagery and symbolism in my picture of choice struck me instantly. For a number of reasons, the illustration has an air about itself that hints at its complexities that may only be discovered through immersing oneself in its deeper meanings. Gary Waters, the illustrator of this image, left many clues that tie in death with his work, and in order to properly analyze them, it became apparent that I must break them down into separate pieces of the same puzzle. Among the first things I noticed was the man pushing the patient. At first glance the man appears to be a doctor. Taking into account his posture, one may form conclusions about his state of being. His back seems to be slumped and his feet dragging. This is not the posture of someone who just saved their patient’s life. He seems to be slowly and sluggishly pushing that stretcher, as if with reluctance into what seems to be a bright light, possibly the light people are said to see before they die. In an immense contrast to the light, and undoubtedly full of hidden meaning, the doctor’s face and body, along with that of the patient is completely shadowed out. I believe the illustrator uses shadowing to display the emotions of the doctor. Due to the fact that he couldn’t save his patient, he feels empty and hopeless and thus is covered in darkness. Possibly, the darkness may even be a symbol of shame. Perhaps, he might want to hide his face from the public eye, or since he couldn’t save this patient, he feels like he is losing himself and his personal identity. Knowing that someone’s death is on your hands and that you failed at preventing it could really alter one’s mind set. Either way, the absence of color and light truly lend a source of anonymity to both the doctor and his deceased or dying patient. However, there is always room for discussion and argument when interpreting an image such as this. In opposition to how some might relate the light in this picture to death, it could also represent a form of salvation for the patient. For instance, it is possible that the light’s source is coming from an operating room where skilled surgeons are prepared to save the life of whoever the patient is. Another theory could be one that makes a compromise with both of the others and while the light may still represent the patient’s passing, it still acts as a form of salvation as the patient may have been fighting a long and strenuous battle against death alongside his doctor, thus the apparent fatigue the practitioner shows. In this instance, death may be a welcome sight for one who is tired of fighting and wants a log deserved, yet permanent rest. The picture allows the audience to make up their own story in where the patient and the doctor are going. I believe the indefinite location of where the doctor and the patient are going keeps up the suspense and stimulates the imagination inside of the viewer’s mind. Perspective means everything in viewing pictures like this. A different viewpoint can alter the meaning of an illustration, such as this, in multiple ways. For instance, I believe the intended audience for this particular picture is prospective doctors. The reason for me believing that is because despite the fact that a doctor’s salary may easily reach in the six figures and allow them to live a very lavish lifestyle, this picture shows the side of being a doctor that no one else but the doctor has to live with on a day-to-day basis. No one knows the stress that a doctor has to deal with regularly when a patient dies or the amount of effort put in to prevent it from happening, except a doctor. Also, while all people are bound to make mistakes, the pressure from knowing one of yours could very likely be the demise of another human, or just knowing that ultimately your job as a medical practitioner is pointless because no matter what, death always comes for everyone. The picture is showing the prospects that despite the troubles they will have with their patients, and the troubles they will have in their own mind, that ultimately it is worth it. Doctors, in a sense are warriors, constantly at battle with the all-powerful death. Against all odds they sacrifice their personal feelings and put aside the thought of their own mortality, when dealing with that of their patient’s. Unsung heroes, most of whom are not well known, yet continue to do what they do despite that fact. Much like death continues to do as it does despite them.

 Citations:
Maclure,Jocelyn. "Le droit de mourir dignement." lactualite, @http://www.lactualite.com/politique/le-droit-de-mourir-dignement/ = =