War of the Worlds Flashcards
What is the genre of WOTW
science fiction, radio broadcast (hybrid)
When was it aired
1938
Who created it
Orson wells
Why was it convincing
-used basic radio conventions
-was in a time of fear and war
-had a researcher talk on it
What was it?
It was a performance of a book which was aired on radio.
What conventions did it use to make it realistic
-interuptions during an orchestra performance
-There appears to be a routine report from the “Government Weather Bureau” about a “slight atmospheric disturbance” along the east coast of America
What made it no so convincing
-adverts
-the announcement at the start stating that it is a performance
-chose similar but not exact places ‘Langham field’ and ‘Langley field’
What was the publics reaction?
trenton police recieved over 2000 calls in 2 hours
What was the publics reaction according to the media?
“a wave of mass hysteria siezed thousands of radio listeners”
“medical treatment for shock and hysteria”
Which theories can apply
-hypodermic needle and passive audiences
-cultivation theory
-reception theory
-bandura
Apply hypodermic needle
The hypodermic needle theory suggests a media text can have a powerful and immediate effect on the passive audience. It would seem “The War of the Worlds” production supports this argument because so many terrified listeners, for example, “rushed out of their houses” to escape the “gas raid”
Describe what the plot is
In terms of plot, the script follows the alien machines landing on earth and obliterating all human resistance with their heat rays. The first part of the play concludes with a live report from a Manhattan rooftop detailing their invasion of New York City. After the intermission, the story shifts to a long monologue describing the aftermath of the war and how a simple pathogen destroyed the Martians because they had no immunity to the terrestrial disease. At the end of the incredible episode, humanity is saved!
Apply cultivation theory
The cultivation theory can also explain some of the hysteria. Gerbner’s research suggested heavy users of television become more susceptible to its messages, especially if the texts resonate with the viewer.
Why did the newspapers create a moral panic
Was the scale of the panic exaggerated by the newspapers because they wanted to defend their market share?
The rapid expansion of radio in the 1930s into the homes of millions of Americans was a huge threat to the once dominant position of newspapers.
The public no longer needed to wait until the next day to become informed of the most important headlines
Apply reception theory
dominant- appreciated the performance
negotiated- understand but didnt enjoy
oppositional- was fearful, uneducated
