TOW #13- Visual Text: Catching Fire Movie Poster

The Hunger Games: A national phenomenon of books-turned-movies centered around the female warrior Katniss, "Girl on Fire." Jennifer Lawrence's blunt personality if a perfect match for Katniss's ferocious temperament, as displayed by her vicious stare on the front of this poster, clutching her famous bow-and-arrow. The Hunger Games experienced rapid success, due to the book's strong fan base. Catching Fire did not disappoint audiences and raked in hundreds of millions at the box office opening weekend. This poster was used to advertise Catching Fire before its release. 

The top of the poster reads: "Remember who the enemy is" in the trademarked font used on all Hunger Games movie merchandise, futuristic and industrial-looking. This piece of advice placed a smidgen above Katniss's head implies that the audience is part of Katniss's world: Panem. This phrase invites audiences to submerge themselves into Panem and root for Katniss, as she knows who the real enemy is.

Those who have read The Hunger Games trilogy, are aware the mockingjay pin Katniss wears while in the Hunger Games becomes a symbol of rebellion throughout Panem. If looked at closely, it is realized that Katniss appears to be emerging from a fiery red mockingjay pin, grasping a bow-and-arrow: her weapon of choice. The bow-and-arrow, combined with flaming pin portray Katniss in a battle-ready state of mind. Her fierce gaze only helps to establish an intense and almost dangerous mood.

This poster strategically uses mainly black and different shades of red and orange. These colors, almost synonymous with Halloween, convey a dramatic tone and help to draw the viewer's eye to Katniss herself. Catching Fire was a runaway success and their sharp visuals used to promote this cinematic masterpiece deserve some credit.

TOW #12- IRB: "The Criminal Conversation Of Mrs Norton" by Diane Atkinson

The Criminal Conversation of Mrs. Norton by Diane Atkinson is a thrilling tale of gender equality in England. George Norton, the husband of Caroline Norton, is a powerful and corrupted gentleman that urges Caroline assist him in climbing the social latter of British politics. However, the Norton's courtship was spark without Caroline's consent. It is revealed that her mother pushed for their marriage. The scandal does not pick up until it Caroline's clever whit and charm allure Lord Melbourne, the Whig Prime Minister. Inevitably, George Norton uncovers the affair and sues Caroline for "Criminal Conversation," or for lack of a better term, adultery.
The author, Diane Atkinson writes in omniscient third person in order to provide information from every single person in the story. The events in this book took place in 19th century England, a time when most communicated by telegraph or letters. Atkinson's strategic omnipresent narration allows her to pull quotes from each individual involved in this scandal and trial. Mrs. Norton wrote over 1,500 letters about her experiences and Atkinson's narration lets for her to quote Caroline as well as Mrs. Norton's peers.  "The young man sent her poetry, which she thought was a 'little rough', so she suggested they correct the proofs when he was next in London: 'there is no doubt you will improve under my fostering care'."(Atkinson 115). The direct quotes from Norton provide an insight into her exact thoughts while she was going through this scandal. While Norton did not write and autobiography, Atkinson's style of writing flawlessly weaves Caroline Norton's thoughts into her writing, creating the illusion that the audience is reading a diary or tell-all book.

Diane Atkinson's writing, most specifically her choice of omnipresent third person narrator create a seamless flow of thoughts from the people that these events are based off of themselves.

TOW #11- Article: "Liberty, Without Torch" by Evgenia Peretz

Hollywood marriages are notorious for their short life-spans and juicy break-ups, occasionally drowned in scandal. Kirsten Stewart, best known for her role as Bella in the Twilight movies, was the subject of hot gossip in Hollywood when she attracted Rupert Sanders, the director for whom she was working. The tabloids focused on Sanders and Stewart. Stewart was at the time, in a relationship with co-star Robert Pattinson, and her cheating scandal remained on the covers of Us Weekly, People, and Style magazines for weeks. However, Sanders was not innocent, and the tabloids left one essential person out of their articles: Liberty Ross, the wife of Rupert Sanders. In this exclusive Vanity Fair interview, Liberty Ross recalls her experience of the scandal in her first public account of these horrid events.
Author of the article, Evgenia Peretz, crafts the story around personal anecdotes, recounted by Liberty Ross, and a friend, Atticus. Peretz begins the article by recalling the basics of the affair between Sanders and Stewart, then going into Ross's life in the present. Peretz describes her zen Malibu home, juxtaposed against the chaos of her divorce with Sanders. However, she soon lets Ross pratically take over the interview and the entire article becomes solely about Ross's life with Sanders. Blooming when Ross was just 18 years old, their love was deep. Ross describes their relationship as "a team," which later on in the essay is starkly juxtaposed against the tumultuous climax of their marriage, when Sanders revealed his affair 20 hours before tabloids would expose him. This display of betrayal by Sanders is emphasized when put next to the loving, passionate relationship that Ross came to know.
Evgenia Peretz utilizes this juxtaposition of Liberty's pure bliss during her marriage to Sanders against the harsh reality of Sanders' affair with Stewart to portray the utter hardship that Ross experienced.