Hampton Roads Writers

Characterization



This photo of 18,000 soldiers was taken in 1918 at Camp Dodge, in Iowa.

Imagine that you are one of the soldiers standing in this crowd. Who are you? What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from? How do you feel about the prospect of going to Europe to fight in the war? Who is standing next to you? How long have you known him? What do the two of you talk about while the soldiers are being staged for the photo shoot?

Answer these questions as you create a scene that could have taken place at this time.


Facts about the image created by these soldiers:

Base to Shoulder: 150 feet

Right Arm: 340 feet

Widest part of arm holding torch: 12 1/2 feet

Right thumb: 35 feet

Thickest part of body: 29 feet

Left hand length: 30 feet

Face: 60 feet

Nose: 21 feet

Longest spike of head piece: 70 feet

Torch and flame combined: 980 feet

Number of men in flame of torch: 12,000

Number of men in torch: 2,800

Number of men in right arm: 1,200

Number of men in body, head and balance of figure only: 2,000

HAVE FUN!