Representation “Representation is the depiction of a thing, person or idea in written, visual, performed or spoken language. In representing we make choices from the language offered by these modes. Representation may aim to reflect the natural world as realistically as possible or may aim to convey the essence of people, objects, experiences and ideas in a more abstract way. There are many different ways of seeing the world as our view is framed by context and culture. This means that representation cannot mirror actual reality but each representation offers a different construction of the world and of experience in it. People need to understand that representations are not neutral. All representations carry personal and cultural meanings and have personal and social effects. Sometimes these meanings are produced through a composer’s conscious choices of language and structure and at other times they may be unconscious reproduction of attitudes, beliefs and values in the world. This leads to the potential for different readings of texts as representations are questioned and reinterpreted. Society needs to be aware of the range of choices available to them in representing people, objects, experiences and ideas as well as how cultural convention may put limits on representation, so positioning them to respond to the world in particular ways.” Answer the following questions: 1. What is the above text saying about representation? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Why are representation not neutral and how does this impact the way people interpret information? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Who constructs the meaning of the subject being represented? The creator or viewer? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ The Conceptual Framework The Conceptual Framework is a system used to highlight and explain all the information and ideas that consist within and about a text. The Framework consists of four agencies; Composer, Text, World and Audience. Each of these agencies describe and integral aspect of a text. You use all of these agents when interpreting and explaining a piece of work. You should also attempt to use the Conceptual Framework when analysing texts and answering questions. The Composer The composer is the individual or group who made the text. How did they create the text and what techniques were used? The environment should be considered and what ‘style’ the composer is associated with. This section also focuses on what the composer’s intentions were when creating the text. Why did they create this text? What signs and symbols are used? Text The text needs to be looked at as a whole. Consider the name of the text, the date in which it was made, the text type/medium used and the formal/informal qualities e.g. language. What signs and symbols are used within the text? You should look at the emotional aspect of the text. What has influenced the text and what is the text about? World Audience The world looks at ‘whose’ world is represented in the text. Is it a cultural, physical or religious world? What is happening at the time? What do we learn about the world at the time the text is created? What events are occurring at the time of the text? Was the composer influenced/inspired by any world events? Did the composer or text influence the world today? The audience considers different audiences that would view the work. It looks at who is the audience and where and when the audience witnessed the work. Does the audience of the time the text was created and the audience today bring different meaning and feelings towards to text?
