HOW DOES THE AVENGERS CHALLENGE TRADITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS OF GENDER TO REACH A 1960's AUDIENCE?
In your answer, analyse how both Peel and Steed are presented, supporting your comments with examples of what they do and say, what they wear, and how they behave with each other. You can take examples from anywhere in the programme.
Emma peel is depicted as a strong female character in "The Avengers" and constantly challenges gender stereotypes of the 1960's to appeal to a modern audience. She consistently uses her intelligence to solve cases which would not have been expected for a woman to do. This can be seen when she Outwits the man in the church and discovers that the choir nobody in it. This clearly challenges gender stereotypes of men being in charge and holding all the power. An audience in the 60's would definitely expect Steed to solve the case.
The avengers challenges traditional representations of gender furthermore by depicting Emma Peel as a very brave, intelligent, independent woman. Evidence of this can be seen during the fencing match between Steed and Peel in episode 4, "the town of no return". Steed enters her apartment to find her practising her fencing skills and asks for tea. Peel goes against gender stereotypes by rejecting to get him some. Furthermore, during the fencing match, Peel physically holds her own against steed, which would have been a very abstract idea for a 1960's audience.
Gender stereotypes also influence the Avengers. For example, Steed is very urbane and self-confident and as an older white, he is a stereotypical depiction of "The modern man". Though Emma Peel is an independent, empowering character, she is still undermined by Steed. This can be seen when he orders a drink for her despite her saying she did not want one. Steed as the male is still portrayed as in charge.
Mark 9 out of 15
ReplyDeleteTo ensure full marks, give additional evidence to support your case, such as Peel's academic writing, her financially independent life, her physical courage and coolness under pressure.
You do not tackle the questions on the sexualisation of Peel through her clothing nor on the watershed question.
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of representation, for example:
ReplyDelete the inclusion of a strong female lead who uses her intelligence to solve the case challenges stereotypes of men being in control and holding all the power
the obvious sexualisation of Peel through her tight-fitting costume is a common stereotype of the genre
Peel’s need to be untied and saved by Steed supports more traditional gender stereotypes
Steed refers to Peel’s weight, as he unties her, which conforms to the gender stereotype that women should be concerned about their appearance and weight
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of media language, for example:
the mise-en-scène of Peel’s tight-fitting black cat-suit costume sexualises her for a male audience
Steed calls out to Peel with the line: ‘Mrs Peel?’ which is a sign of respect and suggests a time when women were referred to by their marital status rather than by their first name
the use of the set-piece fight sequence between two male characters is a convention of the genre
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of media industries, for example:
the programme is scheduled on primetime Saturday night television with little competition from other channels
the large budget allows for more sophisticated camerawork and a range of more interesting locations which would appeal to a wider television audience
post-watershed scheduling allows for under-currents of sexual tension between the male and female character
the post-watershed scheduling also allows for a more sexualised female character in Peel
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of media contexts, for example:
changing attitudes to gender representations through the portrayal of Emma Peel reflecting a time in which women were taking on more dominant roles in society and popular culture
undermining of the positive female role through the way that Emma Peel is sexually objectified and requires ‘saving’ by Steed