Wayne Miller\'s Rabbits for Sale

Wayne Miller's Rabbits for Sale contains many traits that help establish a rich urban environment. The picture is highly detailed, with multiple items and people to attract the eye. One of the people, a woman, is in motion, which connotes an active environment. In the background, there is a sign for a church. Only in an urban environment would a church be found in the middle of a block. Also, the buildings in the background stretch beyond the photograph's horizon, creating an atmosphere of endless urbanism.

This stands in contrast to the rabbits slung on the wire above the sidewalk, which offer a rural juxtaposition to the stark urbanity offered by the bricks and cars. Not only do the rabbits represent nature, but they are a typical food in rural areas where they can be hunted easily. City dwellers tend to be more disconnected from the food they eat; it is only rural migrants who would find such a display appealing. Furthermore, while most of the humans are engaged in more "urban" activity, Miller gives a slight nod to their rural roots with the cowboy hat on the head of the man to the far left.

Rabbits for Sale tells many stories. The man on the left, for example, appears to be engaged in interaction with the passing woman. There is an interesting dynamic between the warmth on her face and his almost slouching stance. Another interesting dynamic is between the two men talking. One is formal and urban, the other informal and dressed in plaid. Their history and relationship is not known but the image of them talking on the street highlights a unique aspect of urban life. Another story is with regards to the weather. From the snow on the ground to the slight huddling of the woman, the photograph connotes the coldness of the day, which contrasts with the warmth of the density and the interpersonal interactions.