The Magdalene College magazine cover is a contrast to the first one I analysed. It adopts a very stylistic approach and focuses on the artistic quality of the photograph rather than writing about the content itself. The cover immediately suggests that this is a formal magazine, deduced from the organised layout and mention of 'Cambridge'. In terms of education, Cambridge is nationally valued for being upper class and therefore has a reputation to uphold when it comes to public presentation. I have chosen to include two issues of the Magdalene Matters in order to gain an understanding of why each edition adheres to the same presentational style.
The white on purple colour scheme is an effective blend of symbolism, conveying innocence and order. The colour purple evokes a concept of control, and when put into contrast with the white font it is neither overwhelming or underwhelming. The white correlates to the theme of order and purity, a concept which is mirrored by the main images. Furthermore the font itself appears structured, all of which contribute to the political reputation of the Cambridge area and the expectation that they are organised and noble.
The masthead, 'Magdalene Matters', is another example of the formality, only it could be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, 'matters' could refer to issues or topics of discussion, in which case the masthead summarises the content in a simple declaration. 'Matters' is a collective noun which essentially covers all of the articles inside. However, 'matters' could also be referring to significance or importance, which would serve as a challenging declaration or a hyperbolic expression. The use of alliteration in the masthead enables fluency when spoken aloud, making it more easily remembered.
When considering the main images, it may be inferred that the photos should echo the theme or topics debated in the content. Since there is no other hint at what the content will be, it is safe for the reader to assume that the image is a representation. The cover on the left uses sovereign colours; crimson, navy and gold all share connotations of wealth, power and honour. The engraved emblems enhance this concept, hinting at old or archaic bonds. This suggests that some of the content will be allocated to political issues. On the right the angle at which the photograph was taken captures the position of the natural light in contrast to shadow, establishing conflict of nature. The tidiness of the building and garden maintenance insinuate lifestyle and innovation, which could mean that the articles inside revolve around living standards or the concept of 'home' being a place or order in one's own mind. In many ways these directly link to the underlying ideologies.
However in my opinion the beauty of these front covers is that I don't think that they relate to the articles at all. I think that the main image is an example of aesthetic perfection, since most of the other front covers for 'Magdalene Matters' follow the similar trend of nature and man being connected. The absence of human life in the frame expresses the lack of tampering or hustle occurring, creating an idyllic photograph that captures the nobility and superiority of Magdalene College.
For me, although it may appear bland, I think that these covers are very effective and establish the college as a place of formality and order.
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