Week 4

a semiotic analysis is when we look at the connotations and denotations that are present in media 

• denotations are when something is presented as it is meant 

• connotations is when something is presented to mean something other than what it actually does 

these are important because they give our stories depth and greater meaning 

both are social constructs that vary between cultures, particularly among languages

for example, an image of an apple could represent good health OR a religious depiction of evil

• both are connotations because the image itself does not directly relate to either interpretation

often, the meaning behind a sign or symbol is dependent on context