The Daily Mirror Representation Front Page

Question 1

Representation of Boris

Front page

Answer 1

• Central image of the newspapers front page, which takes prominence, is of Boris Johnson who appears to be slightly smirking, creating the impression that Johnson is shameless and lacks guilt in his involvemnent with PartyGate. The image also displays Johnson’s characteristic scruffiness, highlighting that he is irresponsible, unfit for leadership and that he does not care for his own apppearance or his country.
• Anchorage of Headline, Subheadings and Captions: ‘Zero Shame’ -> Dramatic. Caption - ‘I’M NOT GOING.’ -. connotes Johnson’s carelessness and inability to take responsibility.
  Selection and combination of images, headlines and captions hightlight and reinforce the left wing political allegiance of the paper.

Question 2

Patriotism

Front page

Answer 2

• Plug: Plug is an image of the Queen and her father, King George VI. The Queen represents British values and encourages readers to feel power an pride in the country. The photo of the Queen is old which illustrates the length/ success of the monarchy and British superiority. The display of wealth is more impressive to working class readers of the Mirror; encouraging escapism to a rich life style fantasy.
• Masthead Masthead is a red top which is a traditional indicator of a Tabloid newspaper. Synthetic paralellism with readers as it attempts to establish itself as a trusty newspaper to read, especially towards the working class (cheap price of the newspaper.) ‘Mirror’ entreches synthetic parallelism as it portrays the Newspaper as a truthful and factual reflection of the world (society and the national news).
• Slogan: ‘Heart of Britain.’ ‘Heart’ gcreates the impresssion that The Mirror is a more intimate, humble, commadreship type newspaper that aims to put the people first, strengthening the synthetic parallelism.

Question 3

Political affilation

Front page

Answer 3

• ‘The Daily Mirror’ is a Left wing newspaper and is especially critical of the Conservatives on the front page, specifically Boris Johnson.
• Grammatical techniques: Ellipsis within the strapline creates drama and tension to hyperbolise the scandal and maintain audience engagement. This also highlights the insolent behaviour from Johnson and his Government.
• Graphology: Figures highlighted in yellow within the strapline draw audiences attention. Strenghthens the unfavourable representation of Johnson and his government.
• Image of Keir Starmar: Portrayed positively in accordance with the political affilliation of the paper.

Question 4

Relevant theories

Front page

Answer 4

• Claude Levi Strauss’ Binary Opposition Theory: Johnson versus Starmer. Image of Keir Starmer depicts him in action at Parliament. Starmer is well-groomed and well-dressed; fit to lead. Johnson is ‘shameless,’ while Starmer is a ‘civil servant,’ who is dillegently following all the rules. Keir Starmar is represented as passionate, clean, caring and professional. –> Binary opposition to the representation of Johnson. Us vs Them impression is therefore constructed. Ideology of Populism.
• Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory: Stereotypical representation of Boris Johnson as scruffy and irresponsible. Reinforced by Johnson’s code of expression (smirking) as it strengthens the overall impression that Johnson is careless and inept. –> Political affiliation.