Class: Language and Representation blog tasks

Language and close-textual analysis

1) Write an NCIS analysis for the episode - using notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, editing, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

Co-owner of a Lonely Heart

NCIS / Narrative: strong female characters such as April and Miss Quill subverting typical female stereotypes about power and strength.

Camerawork: Handheld camerawork used to show intensity,urgency and adds realism to the drama this is also seen in many close ups of Aprils face presenting her emotions of anger and power.

Editing: CGI used to edit Aprils eyes to glow bright orange to show her connection with Conakinus and how the conflict with her father causes this to trigger.

Sound: dialogue is repeated at the last scene to show the growing connection of April and Conakinus and how their hearts are pulling both of the emotions and intentions to be one. e.g "My heart is stronger..."

Mise-en-scene: The car April and Ram travel in gives the audience an american style theme to the scene so do the lockers at the school in order to sell class to a wide range of audience.

2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium. You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative.

The Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to Co-owner of a Lonely Heart as the Equilibrium is presented at the start of the episode where April is attending school normally and this slowly blend into the Disruption as she feels different due to sharing a heart with Corakinus making her have superpowers. By the middle of the episode, she recognises her changes and seeks help from Ram who comforts leading her to the Reparation where they try and find a solution to help cure her. In the end the New equilibrium is formed as April decides to make a worm hole to go and successfully take back her heart.

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in Class fit into? Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not fit Propp's character types.

Applying Propp's character theory we can be able to tell that April the main character is the hero as well as the princess due to her seeking a way to help and save herself from the heart of Corakinus on the other hand, she is also in distress as she wants to be saved from the fate of being connected with such a monster, this shows, that April is stuck between two character theory's. Charlie can also be viewed as the hero as he wants to help everyone in order to be happy and save his people from being souls. The sidekick is seen as Ram due to him always helping the hero April wherever she goes and following her through the wormhole as well as this, Corakinus is the basic villain who wished to kill everyone for power and hopes to find a way to get his heart back from April.

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

The actions codes that can be found in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart are when April pulls out her black swords twice indicating danger and threat due to her desire to kill her father. The enigma codes are at the end of the episode where April desires to just through the worm hole and Ram ends up following her this makes the audience question what would occur after they reach their destination, worrying for their safety.

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative.

An example of binary opposition in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart are good vs evil as April is trying her hardest to fight against the forces of Corakinus this creates drama for the audience as it makes them excited to see who's victorious in the end of the action. Their is also an element of young vs old where April is against her father who is presumably trying to apologise for his behaviour in the past year this can also cause dram as the audience believe April's father is more powerful until she pulls out her swords unexpectedly.


Representations

1) How is gender represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

The gender is represented in Class as their are a wide range of genders who pose as the heroes in each episodes showing equality between all of them. This is also represented as April and Miss Quill subvert the stereotype of weak female characters however they earn their respect from the audience as they demonstrate the power inside them saving many and standing up in dangerous situations.

2) How is age (e.g. teenagers; older people like teachers or parents) represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people?

The age is represented in Class as Miss Quill is presented as and older and quite powerful character whereas the younger characters seem to be more mature and continuously make tougher decisions. Age is reinforced in Class as the young people are shown to be reckless and getting involved in dangerous situations..

3) How is race and ethnicity represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are  stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Race and ethnicity is represented in class are subverted as their are many characters that have a range religions or look differently. A few examples of this can be Ram who is seen to be Asia coming from and Indian background as well as this Tanya is more darker skinned than her friends but is treated equal showing the respect the people have for to each other.

4) How is sexuality represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How does this reflect the BBC's remit to represent modern Britain?

In Class sexuality is represented as normal due to the relationship between Charlie and his boyfriend, it was not questioned by any other characters giving audience with a similar background feel like this show is a safe place they can escape reality from. This reflects the BBC s remit to represent modern Britain as it wants to influence citizens of Britain to accept that may people of the population like the same sex as theirs making sure others view and treat it as they would to other standard relationships. 

5) How is disability represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Why are disabled people generally under-represented in the media and how does Class try to address this?

Disability in class is representing it as a subject that should be equally as important as other people and should be respected as most disabled people don't want to be given pity by others. They are usually under represented as they are viewed as unless giving the audience a bad representation of these people unknown that its hurting their feelings. Class addresses this as they have included a disabled character including giving her a more powerful, independent female personality that could easily defend herself. However, Class also makes disabled people seem as if they need to be cures to be viewed as more important characters that are more appreciated, this is seen when April heals her mother causing her to be able to walk shifting all the intention to her mother.