2. REPRESENTATION
Literally a RE – PRESENTATION
ALL media texts have been carefully selected and
constructed in order to create meaning
3. What we need to explore is exactly how a media text
has been selected and constructed.
In order to do this successfully, you need to be familiar
with the correct media language
5. Conventions
The generally accepted way of doing things
Codes and conventions must be considered at the
same time
It is not enough to simply discuss codes. You also
have to be able to identify a code and analyse how it
is conventionally used in the genre.
9. Symbolic codes
Delves beneath the surface of what we see
Denotation
Connotation
e.g. A woman wearing a red dress
10. Action codes
How a character or an event is portrayed through
action
e.g. Body language, facial expression, gestures
11. Enigma
Questions that are raised within the narrative. These
questions are not always answered.
This keeps the audience guessing.
12. Careful...
Some of these things may overlap
e.g. Music can be both an audio code (non-diegetic
sound) and a symbolic code (to portray the feelings
and emotions of the characters)
13. Although you need to concentrate on representation,
you will also be marked for your use of correct media
language.
14. There is a lot to remember!!
Your analysis will be centred around how codes and
conventions are used to create meaning.
You will need to consider the question:
Does what is being represented reinforce or
challenge stereotypical or commonly assumed
notions?
15. Representation
In order to understand what is being represented
and how it is being represented, we must first
question the context of the TV drama.
You will only see a short sequence (about 4 minutes).
But there will be a wider context to consider. Key
themes, settings and narratives will help us
understand representation.
Also, it is vital to consider the target audience. Why
do you think this is?
16. Key questions
Does society influence the media?
Or
Does the media influence society?
