How is gender represented in this extract? (2009 media exam)

In this scene, gender is represented primarily within the two opposing characters. First, the main female character is represented in a strong way. She enters the scene and is following the man's commands, kneeling before him. This representation of gender shows how the male has ownership over the female. This is emphasized by the low and high angles used. The girl is seen in a high angle, showing how she is vulnerable and weak, this is then partnered with the low angle used on the male to show how his presence in the scene is dominating hers. This ownership then, gradually, starts to decrease as the scene goes on. In the start, she is silent, however, the longer the scene goes on the more she starts to take control of the conversation, this could be representing how women's rights have gradually changed over the years and how women have become just as equal as men. This is then supported by her movements in the scene, especially when she starts to rise from her earlier position. The stand could also be reflecting on the metaphorical stand that women took over their rights. This representation is symbolic of history and femininity.

 The setting also plays a big role in the representation of gender. The male is placed at the top of a staircase on a raised platform whereas the woman is placed below him on a lower level, this representation is very symbolic of how both genders are perceived. The raised platform suggest the level of importance and dominance of the gender, this meaning that the male has more power over the female and that he is considered more important, this again is reflecting on beliefs in the past and also the present. This then starts to break up towards the end of the scene. The Master starts to move down the stairs, this showing how the roles are starting to reverse. This is seen more clearly in a long shot from behind the female. This shot shows the back of the girl kneeling, showing the full body of the male looking down on her, this shot is also showing how gender is represented. We are seeing the face of the male but only the back of the female, this is suggesting that the male is more important because they are the ones we are seeing.

 As well as the lead female character, gender is also represented in the Master's wife. This character in the scene is very much like a prop. She is stood at the top of the stairs in a red dress and she doesn't say anything. This suggests how the Master is controlling over her and how she isn't seen as important. She is used in this scene as a sexual object, this could be reflecting on people's perceptions of women. This representation is showing how the woman is being used as a sexual object and not as an important part of the story. This representation is then supported by the fact she is placed behind the male. This is suggesting that she is in his shadow and she is following him. The male is in front so the audience can see he is the one they should be focusing on. This representation is an important reflection on how woman have been portrayed in film and media. The Masters wife and the main female are contrasting characters. The juxtaposition of the two women show how times have changed. The masters wife represents how woman were perceived then and Martha represents how woman are perceived now. They also represent brains versus beauty. The red dress love and is very symbolic of a female stereotype, this is completely contrasting to the strong black attire Martha is dressed in, These two ideas and perceptions could also be showing how women see women and how men see women. With the Master's wife being a male perception and Martha being the female perception. This contrast in character shows the contrast in gender and in the audience.

 Costume has been used very well in this scene to show representation. Martha is actually dressed in a military uniform, much like the background soldiers in the scene. This has been done to also reflect how women are seen in modern industries and it is reflecting on equality in the armed forces. A soldier is something that is often perceived as a male oriented job and the female character wearing this is symbolic of how woman are the same as men. The military outfit connotes dominance, strength and empowerment, and this is very reflecting on the character, as well as gender, in the scene.