Woman Waiting to Take a Photograph by David Eggers

Reading Response

A poignent and reflective piece, A Woman Waiting to Take a Photograph, appears to be set in the 21st century, by the description of her car. Toyota Camrys came into production in 1982, but as it being only four years old, one can deduce it’s age. One line that made the time period apparent is when David Eggers writies, “So she sits in her Toyota Camry, which her parents gave her because it was four years old and they wanted something new…” In this era, particularly in North America, families are particularly affluent and can afford to trade out their cars every four years or so, or pass it down to their children, who most likely are unable to afford such a luxury. The act of providing cars for one's children did not occur until the nineties or so. 

What does the text imply about photography and about photographers?

Photographers are numerous, they are artists, they aspire for more, and more importantly; they are dreamers. This particular photographer is depicted as young, nameless, and ultimately, hopeful. In the public’s eye, most photographers are not seen so much as artists— but rather, hobbyists who enjoy snapping the occasional photo on their days off work. 

What is the writer’s attitude toward the woman? What words and phrases suggest that attitude?

The writer views the woman as an opportunist, but also a hypocrite. She is afforded the luxury of a job, and a car provided by her parents. She preys on the less fortunate for her gain. She finds irony in the lack of “Go-Getters” entering the supermarket, but she herself is much akin to them for her lack of trying. She is not where she wants to beta and that seems to be for lack of trying. He seems to view her with disdain and her work takes advantage of them for her amusement and gain. Why should she profit off of another’s misfortune while they gain nothing?

How does the writer’s repetition of the term “Go-Getters” function in the text?

The term “Go-Getter”  often describes a person who is hard working and willing to “go get” what they want and will obtain through determination and a diligent work ethic. The repetitiveness of this term is trying to call attention to the hypocrisy and irony of the situation. The woman considers herself a go-getter whilst those she is photographing are not. The author knows more about her than the writing suggests, which implies that he may be on the same class as she and has witnessed her lack of ethics. She appears to be privileged based off of the description of her car and is in a comfortable position, and since she is comfortable— how is she a “Go-Getter”? 

 How does the final sentence build on observed details?

The final sentence brings the compilation of the paragraph to a hilt. It states his point and his opinion in contrast the the list of observances he has made. He makes it clear that her “eye for the inequalities and injustices of life” is more for the exploitation  of inequality, and she, the photographer, shall become famous for such a good eye. The author is sardonic and mocking her aspirations. She does not want to be seen photographing these individuals, and only lowers her windows to take a photo. She creates a distance between her, the photographer, and the subjects. Setting herself apart from them and treating them as if she were at a zoo— for she, the viewer, places herself above the delinquents: the animals of the establishment. 

What new idea or surprise emerges in the final sentence?

The writer himself is exploiting the photographer by writing a snapshot about her in a judgement way. Yet he seems to be aware of this— the hypocrisy of it all. He profits off of her, while she profits off of others— all the while refusing to engage with their subjects.