1. Dorothea Lange's:
‘Migrant Mother’
A Historical Piece during the
Great Depression.

2. Details about Migrant Mother
● The photograph displayed is "Migrant Mother" taken
by Dorothea Lange in 1936.
● The composition captures a mother with her children,
her worried expression, and the intimacy of the
moment.
● This photograph is the heart of our exploration. Look
closely at the mother's furrowed brow, the children's
faces buried in her shoulder, and the symbolism of their
closeness amidst adversity. This image speaks
volumes.
● The photographer's stark black-and-white contrast
evokes a sense of hardship and vulnerability.
● Lange's used photography as a way to document
suffering and resilience.

3. Historical View
● Now, let's examine why 'Migrant Mother' is
Historical significant. It reflected the hardships
of the Great Depression and played a pivotal
role in shaping public perception.
● The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl were
two devastating events in American history.
● The Great Depression began in 1929 with the
stock market crash and led to widespread
unemployment and poverty.
● The Dust Bowl, a severe drought and dust
storm event in the 1930s, forced many to
migrate in search of work and food.
● This photograph is not just a picture; it's a
historical primary source. It provides authentic
insights into the lives of migrant workers during
the Depression, showcasing their struggles,
resilience, and challenges.

4. ● Migrant workers faced severe
poverty, exploitation, and harsh
living conditions.
● "Migrant Mother" serves as a
powerful representation of the
struggles faced by these migrant
families.
Part Two

5. Cultural Significance
● Let's explore the artistic side. Dorothea
Lange's photography techniques, such as
her use of black and white, lighting, and
framing, contribute to this image's iconic
status. It's more than a photograph; it's art.
● "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange holds
immense cultural significance as it
encapsulates the collective experience of
countless migrant families during the Great
Depression and the Dust Bowl.
● The photograph becomes a cultural artifact
that represents a pivotal era in American
history and reflects the resilience and
hardship of the people who lived through it.

6. Literature View
● John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" provides a
rich literary portrayal of the experiences of migrant
workers during the Great Depression.
● The novel follows the Joad family as they travel
west in search of a better life, mirroring the
challenges faced by the subject of "Migrant
Mother."
● "The Grapes of Wrath" captures the resilience,
hardships, and hopes of the migrant population,
complementing Lange's visual storytelling.
● "The Grapes of Wrath" captures the resilience,
hardships, and hopes of the migrant population,
thereby cementing "Migrant Mother" as an
essential reference in American literature.

7. Part Two
● The photograph has significantly influenced
American culture and beyond
● It has become an enduring symbol of the
Great Depression, evoking empathy and
understanding for the suffering endured by
many.
● "Migrant Mother" has appeared in textbooks,
documentaries, and museum exhibitions,
making it a pivotal part of American cultural
education.
● Its cultural resonance extends internationally,
where it is often used as an emblem of
human struggles in the face of adversity.

8. Fine Arts
● "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange
has left an indelible mark on the world
of fine arts and photography.
● Contemporary artists have drawn
inspiration from Lange's work, using it
as a reference to explore similar themes
of human struggle and resilience.
● Examples of artworks influenced by
"Migrant Mother" include paintings,
sculptures, and photography projects,
highlighting the enduring impact of this
iconic photograph.

9. Part Two
● "Migrant Mother" has been a
cornerstone in the world of fine arts,
particularly photography.
● Its iconic status has influenced
generations of photographers who
appreciate its masterful composition,
storytelling, and emotional depth.
● Artists recognize its power in
conveying the human condition, using
it as a source of inspiration for their
own visual narratives.

10. Conclusion
● In conclusion, "Migrant Mother" by
Dorothea Lange is not frozen in the past but
lives on in the present, influencing culture,
education, and activism.
● Its enduring legacy reaffirms the power of
art and photography to connect us with our
shared human history.
● "Migrant Mother" remains a cultural symbol
of resilience, maternal strength, and the
enduring human spirit.
● It serves as a reminder that historical
artifacts can transcend time and continue to
impact cultural conversations.

11. 1. Editors, history. com. (2009, October 29). Great depression: Black Thursday, facts & effects. HISTORY. Retrieved from
https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/great-depression-history
2. Gottschalk, M. (2018, January 12). The story behind Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother.” Retrieved September 9, 2023, from Artsy
website: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-fateful-roadside-led-dorothea-langes-migrant-mother
3. Mander, G., Campbell, C., & Bauer, P. (2011, March 30). The grapes of wrath. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Grapes-of-Wrath
4. Pruitt, S. (2020, May 8). The real story behind the ‘migrant mother’ in the great depression-era photo. HISTORY. Retrieved from
https://www.history.com/news/migrant-mother-new-deal-great-depression
5. Richman-Abdou, K. (2017, July 4). Migrant mother, the most well-known of Dorothea Lange photos. Retrieved September 9, 2023,
from My Modern Met website: https://mymodernmet.com/dorothea-lange-migrant-mother/

12. Sources
1. Editors, history. com. (2009, October 29). Great depression: Black Thursday, facts & effects. HISTORY. Retrieved from
https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/great-depression-history
2. Gottschalk, M. (2018, January 12). The story behind Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother.” Retrieved September 9, 2023, from
Artsy website: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-fateful-roadside-led-dorothea-langes-migrant-mother
3. Mander, G., Campbell, C., & Bauer, P. (2011, March 30). The grapes of wrath. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Grapes-of-Wrath
4. Pruitt, S. (2020, May 8). The real story behind the ‘migrant mother’ in the great depression-era photo. HISTORY. Retrieved from
https://www.history.com/news/migrant-mother-new-deal-great-depression
5. Richman-Abdou, K. (2017, July 4). Migrant mother, the most well-known of Dorothea Lange photos. Retrieved September 9,
2023, from My Modern Met website: https://mymodernmet.com/dorothea-lange-migrant-mother/