Denotations and Connotations

Contrasting connotations of red

In our second lesson Mr Croft talked us through denotations (literal meaning) and connotations (implied meanings). We looked at some road signs and talked about the colours used. For example red is commonly used to signify danger. We went on to look at some pictures and in our groups we were asked to write down any things we associated with the pictures. For example for a sunset the connotation are of romance, relaxation and the end of something. Another interesting example was one of a rose. The colour red is being used but this time instead of signifying danger like the road signs we thought it implied romance, love and sex. 
We then were shown a clip of a television drama that would be similar to one we would get in an exam.Focusseing on mise-on-scene which is the things that appear on set such as props, costumes, colours and the settings, we made a few notes and would present them next lesson.

The basic storyline was that police search the building for immigrants and so the immigrants try to avoid capture by hiding in a room together but one immigrant wasn't aware of the police and therefore he was taken away.

Denotations	Connotations
Snapshots of red on clothing carpet etc.	This indicates danger
Entry of police into building in an arrow formation.	Arrogant, ruthless, determined. Their leader at the front looks wise to the situation when he smirks at the receptionists attempt to cover up a warning for the immigrants.
Actions of immigrants	Look scared and panic which suggests that they are desperate to hide. They are cramped in a room which increases the panic and shows their lack of power. Also they rely on another person to hide them which again shows their lack of power and vulnerability.
Cloths of immigrants	All wearing the same uniform which suggests that they are all the same but this is later proven wrong when some of them pray for the man that was taken while others don’t. This also separates them from the “other” people and singles them out which shows their vulnerability.
Cloths of police	In uniform apart from their leader who is wearing a suit jacket that suggests power and status
Adams helpful actions	He knew what to do when someone had a diabetic attack the connotations of this is that he has been forced to work there because he is an immigrant but he has a good enough education for a far better job