The Gentlewoman- Language & Representations

Close-textual analysis

Gentlewoman front cover 

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

The typefaces used on the front cover can suggest two different meanings to an audience. This is due to the fact that the front cover features sans-serif font for the title which suggests that the Gentlewoman is aiming for a more informal, modern approach to their audience, however the front cover also features serif font for the name of the star featuring in that edition of the magazine (in this case Scarlett Johansson) which could suggest that the Gentlewoman want to show respect towards these stars in their magazines and introduce them to their audience in a formal, traditional way. 

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

The cover subverts conventional magazine cover design as there is a lack of cover lines and a slogan, the title is separated from the main image, there is a close-up for the main image when usually in magazines medium close-ups are used, the colour scheme is also incredibly unconventional due to the bright orange with the purple and red.  

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

Firstly, a close-up is used for the central image which may connote that the audience is getting more up-close and personal with Scarlett Johansson. Scarlett is also wearing unique make-up by wearing bright purple eye-shadow, red lipstick however she is also portrayed with 'flaws' such as the Gentlewoman not covering her blemish which she has on her cheek. In the central image we can also see a low angle being used which makes it look as if Scarlett is looking down at her audience, this could be to portray female power and that she is inferior to her audience. 

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

On this front cover we can see the representation of females having to wear makeup due to Scarlett wearing such bright colours as part of her makeup however, we can also see the representation of women not having to cover up their 'flaws' such as the blemish on her cheek which remained in the shot instead of covering it up or editing it out, which may suggest the change in society that women don't need to feel insecure about any imperfections that they have and can be seen as female empowerment in a way, the use of a low angle also supports this idea as we see Scarlett looking down at her audience at an angle which visually shows that Scarlett has power over her audience. The use of the low angle also can portray celebrity power and how they have the power to control their audience. 

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

We could apply Levi-Strauss representation theory to this cover of the Gentlewoman as he believed that representations in the media are informed by ideology: the set of beliefs and values of the producer of the text, this is because we can tell the producer is trying to subvert female stereotypes of woman being inferior to men or seen as just a housewife however certain stereotypes such as woman wearing make-up is still being reinforced which is probably what the producer was trying to communicate. We could also apply Judith's Butler's idea of gender roles being seen as a 'performance' a pattern of repeated acts or rituals such as in this case putting on make-up. 

Feature: Modern Punches

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

The feature on Ramla Ali uses narrative to engage the audience as it positions Ali as a hero, (Propp's character theory) not only just for her profession but it could also be inferred that she is a hero/role model for women, as she is subverting stereotypical gender roles of what it means to be a woman. In addition, the interview is a straightforward Q&A which means that it is Ramla's own words being said, this is an important way of telling the narrative for a magazine like 'The Gentlewoman' as they aim to deliver 'warm and personal conversations with fascinating women of the moment'. Not only this but the choice to deliver a Q&A style interview gives the magazine an authentic feel which is what 'The Gentlewoman are aiming for with their magazine.  

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

In this feature we can see Ramla subverting female stereotypes, this is due to the fact that her profession is a male dominated sport (boxing) and the fact that in her interview she mentions violence as it is a part of the job which we normally associate with men. In addition, the image itself subverts female stereotypes as we see Ramla wearing a blue, Nike tracksuit where she's standing and flexing her muscles, this positions Ramla to be associated with more masculine stereotypes as well as the colour codes of the tracksuit which convey masculinity. We can also see the representation of working classes, this is due to the fact that Ramla mentions growing up in Manor Park in East London which is considered a working class area, this could suggest that maybe 'The Gentlewoman' are trying to expand their target audience and be more inclusive of their target audience considering 76% of their readers are in the social class ABC1. 

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

In this feature we can apply Judith's Butler gender theory that 'gender is a social construct that is constantly being reinforced through our behaviour. This is due to the fact that Ramla herself is rejecting this dominant ideology by being passionate in a male dominated profession, wearing clothing that's considered more masculine in the images, and the fact she calls herself a tomboy. We could also apply van Zoonen's ideas that 'competition, individualism, ruthlessness' are all masculine values however Ramla subverts this ideology due to the image and her interview. 

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. 

This feature is unconventional for a women's lifestyle and fashion magazine as it features little writing and involves more images of nature. In addition, a feature on environmental topics is very unconventional for lifestyle and fashion magazines as typically topics such as celebrity gossip, fashion advice, make-up/hair, interviews with certain celebrities about their professions/ lifestyle whereas a feature on trees/environmental projects completely subverts the conventions of a women's lifestyle and fashion magazine. 

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.

The Isabella Tree feature reflects the social and cultural contexts of contemporary Britain due to the author being British and the fact that she is married to Sir Charles Burrell who is the 10th Baronet which makes her Lady Burrell, this portrays the British aristocracy. In addition the fact Knepp Castle Estate is her stately home highlights how this feature is aimed at British upper classes and portrays them as posh and pro-environment. 

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

In this feature we see a massive emphasis on nature rather than the person. In picture 2 for example we the subject facing away from the camera and placed low in image, which makes the audience focus more on the nature in the background. Certain photos of nature are more 'arty' and up- close and personal, which could be the Gentlewoman trying to position the audience to support this rewilding campaign. In addition most of the images lack colour, apart from image 3 and the grass in the images. However, most of the photos feature a brownish colour on the trees, bushes, plants etc, which may be to portray the fact that our environment is in desperate help and that if the audience support the rewilding campaign we can save the beauty of nature. 

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

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

In this feature we see the social change in fashion and the ethical movement as it mentions fake leather and a vegan handbag which portrays the change in contemporary fashion as more and more fashion brands are becoming more ethically responsible and more environmentally friendly with their products. 

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

The typography in this feature uses both sans-serif and serif font, it mainly uses serif font for the name of the designer and headline which may be to portray that those are the important mentions in this feature. The page design is also very unconventional for a women's lifestyle and fashion magazine, the headline is in between the text as well as the designer's name which gives it a 'messy' look overall. This could be due to the fact that 'the gentlewoman' is aiming for a more authentic feel for their magazine. 

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

In this feature we can see the representation of upper class being subverted due to the image in this feature, usually we would associate the upper class with more glamorous and fancy backgrounds in their images whereas in this feature we see a more minimalist and industrial look due to the wooden door, buttons on the side of the wall etc. this again can link to 'the gentlewoman' wanting to be more authentic with their magazine. 

Representations

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

“At that time, we felt there was a dearth of intelligent perspectives on fashion and there wasn't really a fashion magazine for actual readers. I guess you could say that there are a few more magazines like us now. But when we started, many magazines had the visual right, or had the text right, but very few managed to reconcile the two."

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

"This practical and modern approach is reflected in The Gentlewoman's overall editorial point of view, which, according to Martin, begins with the woman and not the product. "I'm interested in what [The Gentlewoman] tells you about how modern women live, from the way they drink, dance, drive and speak to the way they sign their letters or conduct their divorces. We make sure that the magazine

is not just a pornography of product that is supposedly interesting to women. It's about putting those women at the centre of the material world around them. That balance is important to us."

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

Cover stars have ranged from 88-year-old actor Angela Lansbury, shot in a peach silk blouse and Terry Richardson's black frame glasses, to popstar Beyoncé, looking calm, strong and composed in Dior with a face free of make-up. Meanwhile, on the inside, The Gentlewoman has profiled a wide range of women at the top of their game, including gardeners, entrepreneurs, novelists, artists and news anchors.

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

"When people ask me about politics or feminism, I say that it isn't a magazine about those things, it's a

magazine informed by those things — among others. Is it a feminist magazine? Well, it's made by feminist people, so what do you think?! But I don't want to make those values and principles fashionable, because I don't want to undermine them by turning them into an aesthetic and I don't want them to pass into the realm of the unfashionable. Let's just assume that we all agree there should be

equal pay and childcare and get on with it, eh?"

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 recently formed Gentlewoman Club which extends the magazine's brand into physical events where readers can interact and chat with editors. "We're starting to develop our website as a kind of portal for real things to happen rather than a bogus virtual community with likes and message

boards. I am so not interested in that. I think that's over." Penny also added “For me, the future is going to be about in-person transactions and real conversations, skills and sharing in real spaces, rather than the cabaret of the nameless we’ve witnessed over the past decade.”