Lesson 6: The “Migrant Mother” Photograph

Introduction

Important Icon In this lesson, we will examine a well-known photograph from the Great Depression. Important Icon

Focus Question:

What is the most significant effect of the Great Depression? 

The "Migrant Mother"

Welcome back, students! In our previous lesson, we examined some very powerful images from the Great Depression. Today, we will look at a very popular photograph from this time period.

It’s one of the most iconic photos in American history. A woman in dirty clothing holds a baby as two more children huddle close. The mother looks off into the distance, with anxiety and worry etched deep in the lines on her face.

Assignment

The famous Dorothea Lange “Migrant Mother” photo offers an excellent opportunity to consider point of view in photography. I want you to speculate on why one image from this time period became an icon of the Great Depression. 

Construct a response that addresses the following criteria. Then, head on over and post a discussion post on your speculations.

Your response should include:

  • What do you think the mother in the picture is thinking? What could she possibly be worried about?
  • What situation do you think she is in?
  • What do you think life was like for this family before the Great Depression?
  • What questions do you have about the photograph?

Assignment

Now that you have constructed your responses to the questions listed above, continue to the discussion post to share your responses.

Go to the next page to complete the Discussion assignment

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