Representations

Divergent- Film

Divergent is a wide selling book turned film, it represents the middle class through the types of people based in the film, from the main character’s (Tris) family working high up in their society and then Tris and her brother going on the work in the society separately. The film represents young adults aged between 16 and 21 as they complete education and start to find their place in society and the world. Tris, the main character is primarily represented as being strong and independent- not needing help from other as she finds her place- however, she is shown to be accepting help from those around her, representing people her age needing help from others as well as themselves. This representation also defies the typical stereotypes as the main character is a woman who is strong and uses guns, as well as taking part in combat- something that is not typical of women in movies. However, the stereotype is also reinforced as it is shown that she has a love interest with a strong, dominant figure in the movie. The representation that she is strong is reinforced through the clothing, location and positioning of characters in this image. Both of the characters in this image are wearing combat styled clothing, a common representation of those joining in with combat. You can see many buildings in the background of this image, showing that they are high up on another possible building that shows the skyline from the height they are seen at- this shows their fearfulness of heights, reinforcing their strong characteristics. Finally, Tris can be seen in a powerful posture, whereas Four is also seen in a powerful pose, but us kneeling down instead- this shows the representations being created as powerful and strong.

Supergirl- TV Series

The Supergirl series poster represents Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist), also known as Supergirl as a strong woman. Kara is 24 years old, representing what women of that age would usually do through their work and social lives. Kara is a personal assistant to the founder and CEO of a large media conglomerate, showing her high job type- her job shows the class that she is represented in also, this being the middle class as she has got a well-paying job high up in a large firm. This representation defies the stereotypes of the modern society as it shows Supergirl as a strong woman and hero, therefore contradicting the overall stereotype in society that women are seen as the “damsel in distress” that needs saving by a man, instead, she is shown as a smart and tough woman who ends up saving others. The dominant representation is shown by the clothing she is seen to be wearing in the image- commonly known as her superhero outfit. This outfit goes towards the representation as although it is feminine, it also includes the same colours worn by superman- her cousin that signifies her strength as well her family legacy. The pose that she is seen in here is the same as Superman’s, displaying a very positive and leading role, backing up this representation of leadership and strength. The location in this shows the tops of various buildings, reinforcing the idea that she is flying as Supergirl. These representations all enforce the idea that she is a strong woman and superhero.

OK! - Magazine

This magazine represents Kate Middleton as she has become a mother and wife in the royal family. Originally, Kate was middle class however as she has married into the British royal family, she is now upper class. As a fairly young woman, Kate is shown to be doing well for a woman her age with a nice house and family- both of which many women her age would be looking for as they turn 35. As this magazine is primarily aimed at women, Kate is represented as a strong woman who is doing well in her life. This representation is stereotypical of the royal family as it shows how much wealth they have and how much they can afford in luxuries such as a nice home- shown in this article. This representation is being created through both the clothing, text and props. The clothes that she is wearing and how she looks in the cover all help to create this representation of her being a mother, wife and part of the royal family.