Warm Up
Today’s genre study focuses on speeches and tabloids. Both text types aim engage audiences in through specific stylistic and language techniques.
Make a list of stylistic devices that you notice in the tabloid on the right. Choose one of the devices and explain how it appeals to the intended audience.
Game Plan
Agenda
Learning Goals
The Big 5- Beyond Identifying
You need to go beyond IDENTIFYING. Your analysis must connect the producer’s choices to the message.
Bush’s Speech-
Tabloid
Genre Study
Speeches- Conventions
Tabloids (Cover & Articles)- Conventions
Maren Miller
HL Language A: Language and Literature
Part IV: Literature- A Critical Study
Written Task 1
Rationale:
My written task relates to my study of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and uses media portrayal to discuss different events that occurred throughout the play. In this particular written task, I created a news tabloid with various articles about the events happening in Denmark and at Elsinore Castle after the death of King Hamlet. In this tabloid, The Denmark Daily, I explore different incidents and events that happened during the course of William Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet, while incorporating aspects of media portrayal of modern day culture, including the use of misinformation and dramatization of an event in order to attract attention (readers and viewers) to the news source. The origin of this tabloid is Denmark, and the time period it takes place in is during the middle ages, during the time the character Hamlet was alive. Because of the setting and time period that this written task is based in, the intended audience of this tabloid are those living during the time of Hamlet and his family and friends, who read the news, and are perhaps drawn to the “gossip” that it sometimes provides.
In creating this tabloid, I attempted to make it as comparable to a real news tabloid as possible. I gave photos captions, gave stories titles, but also used a somewhat gossip-like tone in many of the articles (especially those discussing relationships and love). I also used the phrase, “Your most reliable news”, on the front cover, something many different forms of media use as a way to attract viewers and readers.
Word Count (Rational): 262
Word Count (Written Task): 884
Your Most Reliable News, Daily.
A ROYAL WEDDING is to take place later this evening, where Queen Gertrude will take the hand of king-to-be Claudius in marriage. It is not the first time the Queen has found herself at the altar. Almost twenty years ago, a similar scene played out, the late King Hamlet at her side.
In an interview with the queen earlier this month, it became clear that she wanted nothing more than love in the relationship. “Claudius,” she said, “has a heart full of kindness. I know that our relationship will flourish because of it.” The Queen’s son, Hamlet, who was also present at the interview, appeared to twitch slightly at this thought, and left abruptly for a goblet of wine.
As final decorations are being assembled, and appetizers are being prepared, it appears that this will be quite the royal wedding. Although peasants and ordinary townspeople are not permitted to attend, more than one hundred royals are expected to show from across Europe.
Queen Gertrude, and her husband-to-be, Claudius, are pictured (above) after being spotted on a date by The Daily Denmark’s own paparazzi.
Love Is In The Air
OPHELIA AND HAMLET have been spotted holding hands by the Demark paparazzi. Rumors have swirled about a possible relationship between the two in the past, and it now appears that those rumors may soon be confirmed. The young Hamlet had no comment on the matter when questioned (actually he didn’t seem to have much comment on anything. The lad just walked by with a glassy stare, mumbling something about ghosts and uncles). There has also been no word from Ophelia as she mourns the death of her father, Polonius. But holding hands? Who could deny that chemistry?
News of this relationship comes at a coincidental time, as Queen Gertrude and king-to-be Claudius prepare for their royal wedding this evening.
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THE PLAYERS ARE COMING, the players are coming! Please extract this coupon to see an upcoming show in your village! The Players will be performing in various locations around Denmark, and for the King and Queen themselves. It’s bound to be a night full of surprises and plot twists. Limited seats available, one coupon per family. Write a letter to The Players and Company now to make reservations. Make sure you mention this free offer. Some restrictions may apply.
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His Trouble With Women is Reflected in His Sword Polisher
Dear Uncle Balthazar, an advice column.
Dear Uncle Balthazar,
Recently I’ve run into troubles with my sword polisher. Currently, I am using the brand Honey Sparkle ©, but I am really not getting the kind of shine I oh-so desire. I wouldn’t usually go through the trouble of making the switch, but my love says that she is embarrassed to be seen in public with “a sword so bland-eth”. It is quite important that I can find a sword polisher that works for her because, as shameful as it sounds, she’s my last chance at love. I’ve had three wives, two of which have left me for other men, and one who was recently executed for her involvement in witchcraft.
What do you think about the brand Ultra Silver?
-W. Shakespeare
Dear Mr. Shakespeare,
I personally prefer using owls’ juice to shine my sword, although (understandably) this is quite difficult to obtain. I think Ultra Silver would work quite well for your taste. Also, a tad bit of dating advice: I do believe that women enjoy long walks in the forest. Perhaps this will bring you luck.
Gooday,
Balthazar
Recent reports have come out from Elsinore Castle regarding strange, perhaps paranormal activity within the royal courtyards. Although Queen Gertrude and king-to-be Claudius have not seen any ghosts, Marcellus and Horatio, two of young Hamlet’s good friends, reportedly have. This apparent ghostly activity may harbor some explanation to Hamlet’s constant muttering, as well as the array of other strange new “ticks” he now seems to possess. Speculation into who or what this ghost may be has varied from the idea that people who have died by execution are haunting the castle, to the (very unlikely) possibility that it could be the late King Hamlet himself.
What is Haunting the Castle?
Something strange is going on at Elsinore Castle, pictured above. Could it be paranormal? Or something else?
Polonius, the middle-age Counsellor of the King, passed away half of a fortnight ago, after being impaled by a sword. A native Dane, Polonius was survived by his two children, Laertes, and Ophelia, and enjoyed spending time with them on his days off. A statement from Elsinore Castle regarding his death reads: “Polonius was a faithful and protective man and father. A motto of his, “To thine own self be true”, will be cherished and modeled for many years to come by the staff and inhabitants of Elsinore. With heavy hearts, we must now begin the process of moving forward, and start to search for a new Counsellor for our dear King. If you think you would be a good fit, please submit an application by the next full moon”.
Although there has not been official word on how Polonius was slain, some have surmised that the young Hamlet may have been involved. However, as usual, he has no word on the matter.
Remembering