The Mirror Representation

Question 1

What is the political stance of the Daily Mirror?

Answer 1

The Daily Mirror adopts a traditional left-wing political stance.

Question 2

When was the set edition released?

Answer 2

1st February 2022

Question 3

What event does the set edition cover?

Answer 3

Partygate/ The Gray Report

Question 4

How does the Daily Mirror represent Boris Johnson on the front page of the February 1, 2022 edition?

Answer 4

Boris Johnson is represented negatively, with a large image showing him smirking and the caption “I’M NOT GOING,” suggesting his refusal to take responsibility.

Question 5

How does the Daily Mirror use numbers in its sub-headings on the front page?

Answer 5

Numbers are used to highlight the extent of Boris Johnson’s involvement in the scandal, such as “300 pictures handed over,” to create a dramatic impact.

Question 6

What is the significance of the headline “Zero Shame” on the front page?

Answer 6

It conveys the newspaper’s critical view of Boris Johnson’s actions during the Partygate scandal, implying he has no remorse.

Question 7

What binary opposition is highlighted in the Daily Mirror’s coverage of Partygate?

Answer 7

The binary opposition between the government (Boris Johnson) and ‘the people,’ reinforcing an ‘us vs. them’ ideology.

Question 8

How does the Daily Mirror’s slogan “The Heart of Britain” contribute to its representation?

Answer 8

It suggests that the newspaper stands up for ordinary people and reflects the social and cultural life of the UK.

Question 9

Who is the target audience for the Daily Mirror?

Answer 9

Left wing, working class Brits

Question 10

What role does the use of colloquial language play in the Daily Mirror’s mode of address?

Answer 10

Colloquial language like “cops” and “lockdown bashes” engages the target readership and makes the newspaper more relatable.

Question 11

How does the Daily Mirror represent Keir Starmer in the February 1, 2022 edition?

Answer 11

Keir Starmer is represented positively, with an active image and the caption “Crushing,” suggesting his effective handling of Boris Johnson in the House of Commons.

Question 12

What is the ideological message behind the Daily Mirror’s representation of the Partygate scandal?

Answer 12

The message is that the government is corrupt and elitist, breaking the rules they set for others, while ordinary people suffered.

Question 13

How does the Daily Mirror personalize the Partygate story on the double-page spread?

Answer 13

By including direct quotations and personal stories from ordinary people affected by Covid-19, making the story more relatable and emotionally engaging.

Question 14

What is the significance of the color red in the Daily Mirror’s double-page spread?

Answer 14

The color red links to the newspaper’s branding and political allegiance, emphasizing its left-wing stance.

Question 15

How does the Daily Mirror use images to construct representations on the double-page spread?

Answer 15

The images juxtapose scenes of suffering in hospitals with Boris Johnson partying, reinforcing the negative representation of the government.

Question 16

What theoretical perspective does the Daily Mirror’s use of binary opposites align with?

Answer 16

Structuralism, as proposed by Levi-Strauss, highlighting the opposition between the government and the people.

Question 17

How does the Daily Mirror’s representation of Boris Johnson use stereotypical signs?

Answer 17

By showing him with a glass of wine and a smirk, connoting a party atmosphere and a lack of seriousness about the rules.

Question 18

What is the purpose of the editorial “The Voice of The Mirror” in the double-page spread?

Answer 18

To provide an opinion-led piece that reinforces the newspaper’s critical stance on Boris Johnson and the government.

Question 19

How does the Daily Mirror’s representation of the Partygate scandal reflect its target audience’s beliefs?

Answer 19

It aligns with the left-wing, working-class readership’s views, reinforcing their distrust of the Conservative government.

Question 20

What role do pull quotes play in the Daily Mirror’s double-page spread?

Answer 20

Pull quotes emphasize key points and emotions, such as “continues to lie” and “a mockery,” reinforcing the newspaper’s critical stance.

Question 21

How does the Daily Mirror’s use of direct quotations from ordinary people affect the representation of the Partygate scandal?

Answer 21

It personalizes the story, making it more relatable and highlighting the impact of the government’s actions on individuals.

Question 22

What is the effect of the Daily Mirror’s choice of images and captions on the front page?

Answer 22

The images and captions create a dramatic and negative representation of Boris Johnson, emphasizing his perceived lack of accountability.

Question 23

How does the Daily Mirror’s representation of social groups reflect its values and beliefs?

Answer 23

The newspaper represents ordinary people as victims of government actions, aligning with its left-wing stance and support for the working class.