The Gentlewoman: Language and Representation

 The Gentlewoman: Language and Representation blog tasks

Close-textual analysis

Work through the following tasks to complete your close-textual analysis of the Gentlewoman CSP pages:

Gentlewoman front cover 

1) What do the typefaces used on the front cover suggest to an audience?

The mix of serif and sans serif fonts gives the cover a clean and modern aesthetic. This simple, stylish design suggests the magazine is focused and confident in its identity, drawing attention to what really matters without clutter or distractions.

2) How does the cover subvert conventional magazine cover design?

Unlike typical women’s magazines that use mid-shots, bold headlines, and multiple cover lines, The Gentlewoman opts for a close-up image with no additional text. The layout is minimalist and resembles a book cover more than a traditional magazine, setting it apart immediately.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

The close-up of Scarlett Johansson presents her in a bold and unconventional way. The heavy eye makeup and bright red lipstick challenge the traditional beauty ideals often seen in glossy magazines. Her direct gaze and serious expression suggest confidence and control, rejecting the idea that women must always appear soft or smiling.

4) What representations of gender and celebrity can be found on this front cover?

Scarlett Johansson known as the highest-paid actress in 2018–2019 is presented powerfully here. Her name is in a classic serif font, which contrasts with her modern makeup, creating a mix of old and new. The low-angle shot and direct mode of address position her as someone with authority, moving away from the passive or sexualised representations of women often seen in media.

5) What gender and representation theories can we apply to this cover of the Gentlewoman? 

Judith Butler’s theory that gender is performed is relevant here. Scarlett’s makeup and styling reflect traditional femininity, but the strength and seriousness of her pose suggest these elements don’t define her identity. Instead, they’re part of a performance—used on her terms, not society’s.

Feature: Modern Punches

1) How does the feature on Ramla Ali use narrative to engage the audience? Apply narrative theories here.

The article positions Ali as a trailblazer—using a narrative of personal achievement and cultural significance. Applying Propp’s character theory, she takes on the ‘hero’ role by challenging gender norms in boxing. Her journey appeals to readers who are inspired by stories of empowerment and resilience.

2) What representations can you find in this feature - both interview and image?

Ali is represented as both successful and stylish. The Cartier watch she wears symbolises achievement and status, while also reflecting a capitalist message around luxury and success. Yet her presence in a male-dominated sport breaks down stereotypes, showing that strength and femininity can coexist.

3) What representation theories can we apply to the Modern Punches feature? 

Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity again applies, Ali’s presence in boxing challenges traditional ideas of what it means to be female. The article presents her not as an exception but as part of a shift in how gender roles are understood and represented in sport and media.

Feature: Isabella Tree interview

1) Why is this feature unconventional for a women's lifestyle and fashion magazine? Comment on the use media language in these pages. 

Instead of showing a glamorous photo of Isabella Tree, the article only shows her name and a photo of a tree. This minimalist, abstract approach is rare for women’s magazines, which usually prioritise images of celebrities or stylised fashion. It invites readers to focus on ideas over appearance.

2) How does the Isabella Tree feature reflect the social and cultural contexts of contemporary Britain? Think about AQA's discussion of lifestyle, environmental issues and ethical movements.

The feature reflects growing concerns about the environment in contemporary Britain. Tree’s book Wilding, and the ‘Knepp experiment’ in Sussex, show how environmental activism is becoming part of mainstream conversation, especially among readers who value sustainability and ethical living.

3) What representations of nature can be found in this feature?

Nature is shown as something to be valued, protected, and nurtured. Through Tree’s work and words, the article presents environmentalism as not just a cause but a lifestyle one that intelligent, informed readers are encouraged to adopt.

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

1) How does this feature reflect contemporary social and cultural contexts?

The article highlights changing values in the fashion industry where cruelty-free and sustainable fashion is becoming the norm. Products like vegan handbags and fake leather appeal to a generation of consumers who care about ethics and environmental impact as much as style.

2) Comment on the typography and page design in this feature.

The title is bold and eye-catching, drawing the reader straight to the main subject. The rest of the page uses a clean, simple serif font, giving it a modern yet elegant feel. The minimal layout reflects the sophistication of the magazine and puts the focus on the message rather than flashy design.

3) What representations can be found in the image accompanying this feature? 

The image conveys a classy, upper-class style that matches the magazine’s tone. There’s an emphasis on authenticity, the subject is presented as stylish yet grounded, allowing the audience to relate to her and trust her as a figure of genuine change in fashion.

Representations

Read this Business of Fashion interview with The Gentlewoman editor Penny Martin. If you don't want to sign up to the website (free) then you can access the text of the article on Google Drive here (you'll need your Greenford Google login). Answer the following questions: 

1) What type of magazine did Penny Martin, Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennekom want to create? 

Martin and the team behind The Gentlewoman wanted to create a magazine that was thoughtful, elegant, and serious about the way it portrayed women. It was designed as a biannual sister title to Fantastic Man, offering substance over style while still being stylish.

2) What representations of modern women did they try to construct for the magazine?

They wanted to present women who were intelligent, outspoken, and full of personality; women who were seductive not in appearance, but in ideas. The goal was to move away from traditional, passive representations and show real, complex individuals.

3) What examples of cover stars reflect the diversity in the magazine's content? 

The range is impressive from 88-year-old actress Angela Lansbury to pop icon Beyoncé. Each cover star brings something unique, and the magazine celebrates their individuality rather than simply their fame or looks.

4) What is Penny Martin's view on feminism and whether the magazine is feminist?

Martin avoids branding The Gentlewoman as a ‘feminist magazine’, but she acknowledges that it’s made by feminist people and informed by feminist values. She believes in equality but doesn’t want to reduce those values to a trend or aesthetic. For her, equality should be assumed, not debated.

5) Look at the end of the article. How does the Gentlewoman help readers construct or reflect their identity by engaging with events and spaces beyond the magazine? 

Through initiatives like The Gentlewoman Club, the magazine goes beyond print, offering real-world spaces where readers can connect, share ideas, and feel part of a community. This strengthens the bond between the reader and the brand, making The Gentlewoman not just something you read, but something you belong to.

A/A* extension tasks

Read this extended profile of editor Penny Martin in The Cut. What does it suggest about the representations in the magazine and how they might appeal to an audience?

Similarly, this Stack interview with Penny Martin has some really interesting points on pop feminism and how women are represented and addressed by the magazine.