Class: Language and Representation💕

 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, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

Co-owner of a Lonely Heart;

Narrative:

-"previously" recaps previous episodes

-corakinus tries to regain control of his heart

-april is seen carrying a sword

Character:

-shadow kin 

-april m 

-corakinus

Iconography:

-sword

-torches

-blue flame

-smoke cgi

Setting:

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.

the start of the equilibrium starts as April is the co-owner of corakinus' heart. April reveals her superpowers to her father which is a disruption. Aprils father confronts her mother about Aprils behaviour (recognition). the reparation was April still battling with corakinus to survive. The new equilibrium is April traveling to the shadow realm to defeat the shadow kin.

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.

Charlie can be seen as props character roll as a hero as he saved his race from the shadow kin.

April Maclean can be seen as the princess as she's considered 'the damsel in distress' and protection from corakinus.

Corakinus can be seen as the villain because he fights the hero and was selfish about it.

Andrea Quill is seen as the donor as she is the leader of the quest (doctor) encourages her to support them in the quest.

Ram Singh can be seen as the false hero as he's the companion to the hero also helps the narrative progress.

Huw Maclean (Aprils dad) can be seen as the dispatcher as he informs Aprils mum about her superpowers 

Tanya Adeola can be seen as the helper as she communicates to the rest of the group to inform of developments in the quest.

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.)

Action Codes (physical code);
-pink flower petals: repetition of them seen as deadly

-blue swords: significantly links to sci-fi genre as links to violence of antagonist (corakinus)

-orange pupils (eyes): linking her corakinus together

Enigma Codes (non-verbal code mystery):

-conversation between mattheuz and Charlier about cabinet of souls 

-April becomes aggressive in her history lesson - potentially sharing corakinus emotions.

-mother regaining ability to walk- links to sci fi genre encourages narrative to next episode.

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?

one key example of binary opposition is lightVdark is shown through planet earth (humans) and shadow realm (shadow kin). another example is loveVhate is April defeating her mother and attacks and confronts her father.


Representations

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

Many gender stereotypes are represented in Class, for example, females: Women are presented as strong and powerful in this show through empowered characters like April and Quill, which subverts the stereotype that women are weak. However, it could be argued that the show is also reinforcing this stereotype, as April's mother needs to be healed so she's seemingly under men also April's mother is still bothered by her ex-husband. The stereotype that men are always strong is both reinforced and subverted in the show. Ram is shown to be protective of April and a sporty character, which reinforces the stereotype, however, he is also seemingly defenceless against April and merely follows behind her into the tear.

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 show subverts many stereotypes against youth, for example, that teenagers are weak. However, this is overseen through the powerful teenage characters like April, having to protect their older companions. The show also reinforces stereotypes against teenagers, one example is that Teenagers are impulsive, which is clearly demonstrated by Ram sudden decision to chase after April.

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

Racial stereotypes are subverted in this show, with lead roles like Ram and Tanya as crucial characters in the show. It subverts the ideas that certain races, like Indians and BAME, are all uptight and untrusting since Ram/ Tanya are very open and trusting characters. Also, the show includes characters from East Europe who are openly gay, which both reinforces and subverts stereotypes that Eastern Europeans are all homophobic, as a lead role is gay, yet he is disowned by his family.

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?

The show includes an openly gay relationship, which is not made to be different from any other relationship, massively subverting centuries of media which did not represent this group of people. This reflects BBC's remit since it shows how all realtionships are accepted and can be shown even on television, like Charlie and Matteusz' relationship.

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 represented as something that is entirely normal, yet it also destroys this, since April heals her mother's paralysis, undermining how her disability should be permanent but unimportant. Disability is often under-represented as many people who are disabled are seen as pitiful and weaker, therefore unnecessary to be seen on screen. the show tries to subvert this by including a strong-willed disabled character, but ultimately fail in this, since her disability is written off as something that must be healed for her to be "normal".