Representation - The Times Textual Analysis Flashcards
Image of Boris Johnson
The construction of the representation of the event and the key player on the front page is dominated by the central image of Boris Johnson, anchored by a headline, subheadings and pull quotes.
The choice of Image of Boris Johnson focuses on his code of expression of trepidation on his way to the Commons, anchored by the caption and the large quote from Sue Gray’s report. Unlike a tabloid newspaper, the representation of the event and Boris Johnson’s role in it is more implicit.
(Link to Theory of Representation)
Pull quotes, Headline & Subheading
The selection and combination of images and language constructs a subtly negative representation in The Times.
Pull quotes - Placed next to the image of the PM, implicitly directs blame at his behaviour: ‘There were failures of leadership and judgement by different parts of number 10…’. This inclusion of the ellipsis creates an enigma suggesting that there is more to be seen in the report.
Headline & Subheading - Represent the event and the PM in a negative way - ‘PM’s four lockdown parties’ implies Boris Johnson’s involvement and the use of ‘four’ points out the seriousness of the event. The use of the phrase ‘drinking culture’ also constructs a negative representation of the event.
Subheading
In The Times, the way Partygate is presented positions the audience to consider the facts about the event, which are presented in an informative way, and to make their decision about it. Within the readership of The Times, although it is a right-wing publication, there will be those who are shocked by the revelations of the breaking of lockdown restrictions by those in positions of power and then there will be those who remain supportive of the government.
Subheading - ‘The Times verdict. Full analysis and comment inside’ suggests that these binary oppositions may be resolved by the newspaper’s opinion contained in these inner pages.
