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Proposal
Practicing Criticism Paper
Wenjia Zhang
University of DenverCOMN 2150
Professor Summer Preston
Jan 29, 2023
My chosen pop culture text is the television series The Crown. In my proposal, I will be using a feminist rhetorical critique to analyze the sequence. The Crown is a popular show that explores the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the British monarchy (Morgan, 2016). I chose this text because I am interested in exploring the complexities of female power in the patriarchal society portrayed in The Crown. It is valuable to analyze this text because it helps us understand how gender roles, power dynamics, and societal expectations of women have changed and evolved. It also provides insight into how the role of a female monarch is often portrayed and understood in a modern context. According to Brummett, B. (2022), feminist critics seek empowerment via more extensive and inclusive perspectives rooted in female experiences and bodies. Thus, a feminist rhetorical critique of The Crown can be used to analyze the representation of female power in the show and how the show portrays the Queen as both a powerful ruler and a woman constrained by her gender.
To understand the context of The Crown, it is essential to consider the historical context of the British monarchy and the role of women in the monarchy. This series is set in the mid-20th century, a time of significant change in the United Kingdom. The British monarchy had declined since World War II's end, and Queen Elizabeth II was the first female monarch to ascend to the throne in a long time. This period was also a time of significant social change, with women entering the workforce in greater numbers and fighting for their rights. Therefore, it is essential to analyze The Crown with an understanding of the historical context in which the show is set.
The feminist rhetorical critique of The Crown provides a lens through which to analyze the power dynamics between the characters in the series. This critique method is particularly relevant to this show because it explores the complex power dynamics between the characters, especially between the male and female characters. Using a feminist rhetorical critique, we can gain insight into how gender roles and expectations of women in power are portrayed and questioned in the show. Additionally, this critique method allows us to analyze how gender roles have changed over time and how female power is portrayed and understood in a modern context. Brummett, B. (2022) illustrates that a feminist rhetorical critique seeks to uncover the hidden power dynamics between the characters that are often overlooked. This critique method is beneficial in exploring the power dynamics in The Crown.
When using a feminist rhetorical critique to analyze The Crown, it is essential to consider how the show portrays and examines the power dynamics between the male and female characters. The show often portrays the Queen as a powerful ruler and a woman constrained by gender. The show often highlights the restrictions placed on the Queen, such as her inability to marry a man of her choice and express her opinions openly (Ramos, 2021). The show also explores how the Queen is forced to conform to societal expectations of a female monarch and how she attempts to push back against these expectations. It is an essential aspect of the show and provides an interesting insight into the power dynamics between the male and female characters.
References
Brummett, B. (2022). Rhetoric in popular culture. Sage Publications.
Morgan, P. (2016). The Crown. Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television.
Ramos Cobo, E. (2021). Netflix’s The Crown: impact on the British Royal family.
