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GQ - Narrative

Media Studies: Eduqas GCSE, topic 2.2.2

Cover Star

The cover star of the issue of GQ published in August 2019 is Raheem Sterling. Raheem Sterling is a prominent figure in British football.

Black wings

Black wings

  • Raheem Sterling has had a complicated life.
  • Sterling's complicated life is connoted in the black wings behind him on the cover of GQ.
  • The black wings portray Sterling's noble pursuits that are marred by some level of controversy.
  • The black wings show how Sterling is not necessarily a 'pure' soul.
Guardian-like figure

Guardian-like figure

  • The main cover line reads ‘Guardian Angel. How Raheem Sterling saved football from itself’.
  • This casts Sterling as a guardian-like figure.
  • This creates connotations of Sterling being a guiding light within the sport.
Relaxed posture

Relaxed posture

  • Sterling’s posture is incredibly relaxed.
  • Sterling is directly addressing the audience by looking straight ahead, his legs spread, and arms at his side.
  • Sterling's demeanour is open, calm, and confident.
  • Sterling is a figure to look up to.

Narrative

The August 2019 issue of GQ focuses on politics and masculinity.

Masculinity

Masculinity

  • GQ offers a narrative of what it means to be a man.
  • GQ covers topics of fashion, politics, and role models.
  • The cover lines read, ‘How to wear a broken suit’ and ‘Why it’s finally OK to own a belt bag’.
  • A broken suit is historically seen as unprofessional.
  • Belt bags are seen as a more feminine or 'camp' accessory.
  • GQ acts as an authority, instructing men on what they can wear.
Celebrities

Celebrities

  • The cover line in the top right lists a series of celebrities as part of ‘GQ Heroes’.
  • 'GQ Heroes' is a yearly festival hosted by GQ.
  • The cover line reads 'Picture exclusive!’
  • This connotes to the reader that they can not find this information elsewhere.
Political issues

Political issues

  • On the left, there are two cover lines which read:
  • ‘Speak no evil. Inside the most brutal dictatorship, you’ve never heard of’.
  • ‘Westminster has become a living nightmare. Andy Burnham’s Manchester masterplan’.
  • The focus on politics broadens GQ's potential audience.
  • This implies being aware of political issues is essential to being a gentleman.

Test yourself on GQ - Narrative

  • What is the main cover line for the August 2019 issue of GQ?

  • What topics does GQ cover?

  • What is 'GQ Heroes'?

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