Homework - Social Class Analysis: Shannon Matthews vs Madeleine McCann
Find examples of language used in each of the pieces to describe the parents of both children. How does this language differ? What are the messages and values on social class? (10 marks) The articles depict the parents of Madeleine McCann as heartbroken by the kidnap of their beloved daughter. This is suggested by the keyword "traumatised" which gives connotations of vulnerability and makes the reader feel sympathetic for their parents due to their current situation. Also, the keyword "clutching" in the sentence "clutching Madeleine's favourite Cuddle Cat Toy" highlights the sadness felt by the parents of the missing 3 year old. On the other hand, the family of Shannon Matthews have been highlighted as apathetic. This is underlined by the family (and mother) who "asked for donations" from the Madeleine McCann fund. This suggests that the family of Shannon only cared about the money involved and not the Shannon's safety. The differen