Compare how these pages from the The Sun and the Daily Mirror construct versions of reality. In your answer you must:
- consider the choices media producers make when constructing versions of reality
- consider the similarities and differences in the representations
- make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the representations relate to relevant media contexts. [30]
This question was featured in the 2019 although the case studies have been tweaked to make them relevant to the current version of the specification
Knee jerk reaction - The mirror presents a more brutal representation of Johnson's failings, while the Sun represents him as a harmless clown
OR
Knee jerk reaction - even though Johnson is represented as being not entirely serious, he still has the opportunity to redeem himself
Stuart Hall - representation theory
Unflattering images
Close up
Short and clipped lexis
Mode of address (funny)
Blue suit - sadness???
Yellow throughout mirror
Font
Lexis ‘disaster’
Lack of representation of Liz Truss
Intertextuality
Colour red text
Layout: bold and striking!
Ideology
“Zero shame”
Binary oppositions
White
Codes (hermeneutic, symbolic etc)
Stereotypes
Stereotypical
White upper middle class politician
Lexis
Hegemony
Layout - simple
Binary oppositions
Composition
Colour scheme
Tabloid
Anchorage
Mise en scene
Biased
Codes, eg symbolic
Language
(Reception theory)
Representations
Informal
Hermeneutic code
Lighting
Selection of font
Suggestions for content
- Johnson is constructed as a stereotypical representation of a white, upper middle class, middle aged male politician. This stereotypical representation is primarily constructed to present Johnson as a harmless (but annoying) clown
- Sunak is represented as the “hot favourite” to replace Truss. The lexis here makes intertextual reference to horse racing, which may appeal to a working class audience. Furthermore, the biased selection of image of Sunak constructs a binary opposition with the main image of Johnson. The unflattering image of Johnson speaking connotes a lack of seriousness, and suggests that Johnson is not the right choice. By overtly supporting Sunak, the Sun constructs a version of reality where Sunak is clearly the better choice, and the audience are expected to agree with this preferred reading.
- A binary opposition is constructed through the lexis of two conflicting headlines. While Johnson shouts “I’ll be back” (a humorous intertextual reference to The Terminator), sportsperson Ron exclaims in a headline “I’ll be gone”. The connotation of this binary opposition is that Johnson, while funny and harmless, is clearly not fit to be prime minister, and is highly unreliable
- Throughout the front page of the sun, a reality is constructed where Johnson is somewhat incompetent, yet still has a chance for redemption. The main image is a mid shot of Johnson, which emphasises the MES of his facial expression. The unflattering selection of the image represents Johnson in a negative manner, and reinforces the ideology that Johnson is a joke. This is further anchored through the informal lexis of his nickname, Boris, which constructs the reality that Johnson is unfit to govern, and resembles a cartoon character.
- Furthermore, a binary opposition is constructed between the MES of Johnson’s suit, and his scruffy appearance. This striking opposition constructs the reality not only constructs the idea that he is unfit to govern, but also that he demonstrates a certain amount of privilege. Therefore, the ideology is reinforced and constructed that only a privileged elite are able to run the country