Gentlewoman Language and representation

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Gentlewoman front cover

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

They are clean, modern, and simple. This makes the magazine feel serious and stylish.

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

No big headlines or busy text. Just a close-up photo and the title. It looks more like art or a book cover than a normal magazine.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

It’s a close-up of a serious face. Bold red lips and purple eyeshadow. She looks powerful and confident, not soft or smiling.

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

Shows a woman as bold and strong. Not sexualised. She’s presented as powerful and smart, not just a pretty celebrity.

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

Judith Butler: gender is performed the makeup is a choice.

Laura Mulvey: not for the male gaze not made to please men.

Van Zoonen: women shown as thinking and strong, not just bodies.

Feature: Modern Punches

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

Todorov: starts normal, then becomes a boxer.

Propp: Ramla is the hero of her story.

It tells a journey struggle, success, identity.

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

Ramla is a Muslim woman who is strong and confident. She’s not shown as weak or quiet. The image shows power and control.

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

Stuart Hall: challenges stereotypes of Muslim women.

bell hooks: Black and Muslim women are seen as leaders.

Gauntlett: shows new role models for women.

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.

It talks about farming and nature, not clothes or beauty. The language is calm and informative. No glamour or fashion terms.

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.

Talks about climate change, land, and nature. Reflects how people care more about the planet and living green.

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

Nature is shown as important and in danger. It needs protecting. Humans should care for the earth.

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

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

Shows that fashion can be ethical. Talks about animal rights and the environment. Matches current ecoc friendly trends.

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

Fonts are clean and simple. Layout is calm and clear. Looks stylish and serious.

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

Stella is shown as a smart leader in fashion. Not just stylish, but thoughtful and caring. Fashion is about values and not just looks.

Representations

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

A smart, stylish magazine for real women. Not focused on gossip or beauty only.

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

Women as strong, different, and intelligent. Not just young or sexualised.

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

Older women, women of colour, athletes, artists, and scientists.

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

Yes, it’s feminist but subtly. Believes in showing equality without shouting about it.

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?

The magazine makes a community. Readers join events and feel part of something smart and thoughtful.


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