The End and the Beginning

1. Szymborska’s “The End and the Beginning” was written in the wake of World War II, a traumatizing historical event that shook her generation and generations afterwards. Spend some time brainstorming historical events that have happened in your lifetime. These events do not need to be as monumental as a war, but they should be world, national, or community events that might have shaped or are shaping you and your generation in a dramatic, pronounced way. Make a bulleted list of examples; then write 2-3 sentences describing what long-term impact each event might have.

2. In her essay, “Regarding the Torture of Others,” Susan Sontag discusses the camera’s position, particularly regarding war. After a careful reading of “The End and the Beginning,” explore and discuss ways in which photography communicates war. Considering the line “All the cameras have left / for another war” (Lines 20-21), what can you conclude about the camera’s focal point? In 1 to 2 paragraph(s), explain why Szymborska included the cameras and what you think it means for the cameras to desert the area the moment the fighting’s finished. (Subscription may be required for essay access.)

3. Spend some time considering the poem’s perspective (point of view).