The Gentlewoman: Language and Representation blog tasks

 Gentlewoman front cover 

1) What do the typefaces used on the front cover suggest to an audience?

The mast-head is in san-serif font which suggests upper class/ a rich taste which only rich audiences would like. This also relfects the fact that the GentleWoman is up to date and modern.

2) How does the cover subvert conventional magazine cover design?

The model/person is closed off in a box which does not take up the whole space of the magazine which is unconventional. Also there is little use of text/taglines.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

 

The sharp angle of Scarlett connotates that she is dominant and superior in comparison to the reader and also the use of bold bright colours for the make up suggests that she is being portrayed as unique and unconvetional ie breaking the norms.

4) What representations of gender and celebrity can be found on this front cover?

 

The use of bold bright colours for the make up reveals that women are portrayed/used as a spectacle in order to obtain attention/views.

5) What gender and representation theories can we apply to this cover of the Gentlewoman? 

 

The male gaze can be used here as Scarlett is sexualised in this image via the use of the make up, also Van Zoonens theory that women are portrayed as a spectacle in order for the magazine to sell copies.

Feature: Modern Punches

1) How does the feature on Ramla Ali use narrative to engage the audience? Apply narrative theories here.

By using the theory from Todorov we can see that in the beginning there is disequilibrium when it is revealed that she was bullied at a young age however this is then resolved (equilibrium) when she won her first victory.

2) What representations can you find in this feature - both interview and image?

One representation we can see is that she is of the working class from east London but after fighting and winning we can identify further a possible upper class as her wealth begins to come in.

3) What representation theories can we apply to the Modern Punches feature? 

One representation theory is Van Zoonen as she is being presetned as a spectacle and that gender is a construction as shown by the use of a tracksuit bottom. Another theorist would be Butler as she argues that gender is repeated rituals and acts and not fixed as shown by the use of the tracksuit which is unconventional.

Feature: Isabella Tree interview

1) Why is this feature unconventional for a women's lifestyle and fashion magazine? Comment on the use media language in these pages. 

Normally there is a lot of copy however in this it is very minimal and instead focuses on the nature aspect/background.

2) How does the Isabella Tree feature reflect the social and cultural contexts of contemporary Britain? Think about AQA's discussion of lifestyle, environmental issues and ethical movements.

It reflects peoples strive to be environmentally friendly and more green/clean with the environment such as to reduce waste by recycling.

3) What representations of nature can be found in this feature?

The idea of preserving nature and letting nature take its course is revealed. This can be seen through to the use of greenery. It also reflects the idea that people are more wealthy and that they are able to afford letting nature take its course without needing to cut it.

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

1) How does this feature reflect contemporary social and cultural contexts?

Fashion is mainly aimed at women and statistically more vegans are women therefore it is direct mode of address and directly targets women.

2) Comment on the typography and page design in this feature.

Some parts of the cover are sans-serif reflecting the GentleWomans modern traits and this is also used in order to appeal to the younger more modern audience.

3) What representations can be found in the image accompanying this feature? 

The background is unprofessional and quite amateur/homemade which breaks conventions, this reveals that Stella is being photographed by paparazzi which is used to emphasise her importance/fame.

Representations

Read this Business of Fashion interview with The Gentlewoman editor Penny Martin. If you don't want to sign up to the website (free) then you can access the text of the article on Google Drive here (you'll need your Greenford Google login). Answer the following questions: 

1) What type of magazine did Penny Martin, Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennekom want to create? 

A biannual(twice a year publishing) sister publication to the Fantastic man as they wanted it to be modern and aesthetically pleasing.

2) What representations of modern women did they try to construct for the magazine?

The magazine is presented as a best friend or guide offering advice on lifestyles or what to wear ect.

3) What examples of cover stars reflect the diversity in the magazine's content? 

Cover stars such as Angela Lansbury and Beyonce the singer.

4) What is Penny Martin's view on feminism and whether the magazine is feminist?

She says that there are elements to feminism and she says that it is produced by feminist people but they do not influence the magazine to their desires.

5) Look at the end of the article. How does the Gentlewoman help readers construct or reflect their identity by engaging with events and spaces beyond the magazine? 

They have extended their company into physical events in order to relate to the real life conversation.