The narrative structure of the site focuses on presenting a cohesive, unified argument, documenting the physical and psychological effects of the bomb. The former, in particular, receive extensive treatment, including diagrams and graphs (see examples below) which provide statistical information relevant to the blast (e.g., the amount of energy generated, the temperature, the areas affected). The argument maintains an understated tone throughout these sections, attempting to persuade through sheer force of its accumulated detail.
In addition to this "objective" dimension, the site contributes the human element through the accounts of survivors and other forms of witness. Although there is diversity among the participants, the same message recurs many times: this must never happen again. To borrow Geertz's terminology, the first-person recollections present the information in terms of a drama. Repeating the details of the experience appears to serve as a form of therapy, and the participants hope to make this contribution as part of their legacy to the world. Of course, this method also frames the present as an ongoing drama (e.g., French nuclear testing), one with the potential for a different outcome.
Next / Table of Contents