Compare how two television programmes you have studied offer comic representation of gender. Using Absolutely Fabulous and an episode of keeping up Appearances.

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Andy Gunner. Media. Mr Piper.

Compare how two television programmes you have studied offer comic representation of gender.

  • Introduction

In this essay I intend to use two sitcoms to answer the question. Gender representation is a major part of many sitcoms and I will be looking into why this is, and how they are represented comically. I will be using an episode of Absolutely Fabulous and an episode of Keeping Up Appearances to provide me with examples to support my ideas and opinions.

  • Absolutely Fabulous- Eddie- comical features:

                                        Over dressed, flamboyant & eccentric appearance

 No sense of moral or political correctness (buying merchandise from African villages)

Physical behaviour- poor co-ordination of arms and hands- looks comical- lots of movement. (Example- when arrives late in & faces questioning from Saffy)

Voice-sounds younger than she is & talks like she is younger- comical because trying to hide from her real age

Language- talks like a teenager, talks to daughter like she is her mum (role reversal)

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Also degrading to daughter, loud and immature behaviour.

Not stereotypical mum- quite the opposite, stereotypical teenager. (mood swings & behaviour, dress etc)

Main interest is men- questions Saffy about when she will finally get a boyfriend.

Generally most of her features are exaggerated to increase comical value.

Saffy- Comical features:

Very boring/ sensible dress sense, dull colours & appearance- even though a teenager.

Sensible & boring- role reversal with her mum- example- when telling mum off about returning home late.

Body language- reserved, sensible, quiet and controlled.

Tries to make deals & compromise with her mum- role reversal again. ...

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