The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Benjamin references many works of art to bolster his argument. Pick one of these works and research it. How does Benjamin use the work of art in his essay? What qualities does the work have that supports how he uses it? Use evidence to back up your claim.

Benjamin states that paintings “invit[e] the spectator to contemplation” (238). In contrast, when watching a film, the spectator’s train of thought is “interrupted by their constant, sudden change” (238). Explain this distinction in your own words. Do you agree with Benjamin’s characterization of how the viewer responds to these two different modes of art? Why or why not?

Benjamin makes frequent allusion to Freudian psychoanalysis, specifically the concept of “identification.” Research this concept as it appears in psychoanalysis. Conduct some research into the concept of “identification” in psychoanalysis. How does Benjamin employ this concept in the essay? Is this consistent with how Freudian theory uses the concept of “identification”?