Magazines CSP blog task

 1) What different examples of typography can you find on the cover of Tatler? What are the connotations of the serif and sans serif fonts?

The title "Tatler" is written using the serif font connoting the idea that Tatler has been around for a very long time further more the word Tatler is an abbreviation of the word tattletale thus leaning into the idea that the magazine is for upper class people to gossip

2) How do the cover lines appeal to the Tatler target audience?

Big bold text in serif font highlight the magazine name importance and its long history in the magazine media industry

3) What are the connotations of the Tatler colour scheme on this particular front cover?

The Taler colour scheme connotes the idea of nature and peacefulness 

4) How is the central image designed to create interest in the magazine? Find three reasons for your answer. (E.g. the model, the mise-en-scene such as props, costume and make-up, body position, facial expression etc.)

The woman in the image is seen wearing a long classy dress this enforces the idea of the magazine being upper class and the make up enforces the idea that women need to look beautiful furthermore her facial expression highlights the idea of women being modest and innocent

Representations

1) What celebrities or famous people are mentioned on the cover? Why do you think Tatler put them on the cover?

In the Tatler magazine they mention famous people such as Boris Johnson brother in order to attract more people who care about news and politics

2) What do the cover lines suggest about the lifestyle of rich people in the UK?

That many of the upper class at the time wanted to leave the eu as in the cover lines they mention "see eu later" linking to the brexit which took place around that time

3) Looking at the image and cover lines together, what different groups of people are represented on the cover and how are they represented? (E.g. men/women/rich people/race & ethnicity etc.) 

4) Are there any stereotypes being reinforced or subverted? How? Why?

The stereotype of women being modest and innocent is reinforced by the pose and expression of the women on the front of the cover giving her a more modest and innocent look

Social and cultural contexts

1) What types of people are NOT featured in Tatler? (Watch the clip above again if you need help with this - the clue is in the title 'Posh People')



2) Tatler runs special issues on holidays, spa breaks, cosmetic surgery, watches and jewellery and private schools. What does this suggest about the magazine's representation of life in Britain? 



3) What audience groups might be offended or insulted by the front cover of Tatler? 



4) Find three other front covers for Tatler from different months. What issues, subjects or people are regularly featured in Tatler?


Grade 8/9 Extension Tasks

As an extension, you may want to watch the documentary about Tatler linked above to find out more on the social and cultural contexts for the magazine. Then, think about or write answers to these questions:

1) What would be the preferred and oppositional readings to this cover of Tatler?

2) Are there any misrepresentations or under-representations of certain groups? What might this suggest about the target audience?

3) How does the front cover engage audiences with possible narratives? Look for stories, cliffhangers, dramatic cover lines etc.

4) Read this Guardian article on the BBC documentary about Tatler called Posh People. What does the article suggest about the people who produce and read Tatler?