Connotation and Denotation 10/23/06
This week in class we will learn more about connotation vs. denotation of words and use our new knowledge to craft a definition essay in which you will "define" a term. I'll show you an example Tuesday and talk more about how you'll go about completing this activity.
DUE: You will electronically give/send a copy of your first draft to your partners by Thursday, 10/26. (You are advised to fool-proof your exchange prior to the due date!) You will make revisions to your partner's first draft and have 2 copies of each partner's draft in class on Friday, 10/27 for our first small group revision discussion.
TODAY:
1. Please spend 5-10 minutes looking for on-line sources that will help you discover the difference between the connotation and denotation of words. Take a few comprehensive notes in your notebook.
2. Then, view the picture found in the link marked "Starbucks" (on the right) and use your new knowledge to write a 150-word response to the following question:
posted by Anne Beaton at
10/22/2006 11:58:00 PM
27 Comments:
By looking at a picture "The Starbucks Aesthetic" it is easy to infer that Sturbucksis a denotation for a sophisticated place thats an Aesthetic for the elite class. Looking closly though one might realize that the rich looking people discussing art while sipping on some delicious java could also connotate an upper class of society.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 9:57 AM
Just by looking at the picture "Starbucks Aesthetic," you can literaly see that there are many men and women sitting around a "Starbucks" cafe sipping on their high-priced mocha-lattes and specialty drinks. The scornful glances and expensive clothing shows how wealthy these people are. Would the poor pay eight dollars for coffee? Art is commonly seen as "hobby of the rich" and is shows in this picture. By not showing what is physically on the canvas, it shows the difference between net worths and how far apart groups of people actually are. The people that are painted in the picture are able to see what the artist has painted but looking at the whole picture, the on-looker is clueless as to what is being desbribed through the author's wealthy eyes.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:00 AM
By Just looking at the picture "The starbucks Aesthetic"
you can conclude that he the artist is just some guy painting and enjoying his coffee at the same time, While his friends or on lookers enjoy their coffee.That is to the naked eye.
If you went more in depth you would seemingly notice that the plain man was not plain at all. He is a grad artist. Who is vey famous. The people are also very rich and are awaiting on there master piece. Maybe of themselves, to promote their magnificent coffee.
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:00 AM
As the CEO of starbucks I do find this offensive. I intend to persue legal action against all you AP english kids
Sir Howard Schultz
CEO
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:03 AM
When first looking at "The Starbucks Aesthetic" many would only examine it for face value. Its a classical style painting of a gathering of people drinking berverages from starbucks, made using dull tones, with an eye catching red tablecloth as a focal point. Others would look at this picture and dive into its complexities. The men are nolonger just men, their stern, well dressed, wealthy looking men who have joined in a local cafe to enjoy and critique a local painters artwork. By their expressions the mood off the room seems rather uncomfortable. The man in the dull grey shawl seems to be deep in thought, possibly thinking of the same complexities in which he is presently a part of.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:04 AM
When first looking at "The Starbucks Aesthetic" many would only examine it for face value. Its a classical style painting of a gathering of people drinking berverages from starbucks, made using dull tones, with an eye catching red tablecloth as a focal point. Others would look at this picture and dive into its complexities. The men are nolonger just men, their stern, well dressed, wealthy looking men who have joined in a local cafe to enjoy and critique a local painters artwork. By their expressions the mood off the room seems rather uncomfortable. The man in the dull grey shawl seems to be deep in thought, possibly thinking of the same complexities in which he is presently a part of.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:05 AM
The "Starbucks Aesthetic" displays a bunch of people dressed nicely watching a person paint while the drink products from Starbucks. That would be the denotation, the literal meaning, what is actually there. Just people standing around an artist, an activity some might find dreadfully boring. The connotation would be that if a person drinks Starbucks coffee or other drink that person is refined and upper class, as painting is a refined art and only a refined people could possibly appreciate such fine pastimes. Also, only a classy, superior member of society could possibly stand such a civilized activity, one that normal people might consider dull. Therefore, only the higher classes in society can drink Starbucks, and everybody wants to be superior, so everyone wants Starbucks.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:06 AM
Making Mine a little bit longer
By looking at a picture "The Starbucks Aesthetic" it is easy to infer that Sturbucksis a denotation for a sophisticated place thats an Aesthetic for the elite class. Looking closly though one might realize that the rich looking people discussing art while sipping on some delicious java could also connotate an upper class of society. The denotations and connotations come together to make starbucks a symbol for wealth and sophistication. Not everyone can enjoy the sweet aroma of a latte. Starbucks is also a popular denotation for a hangout to discuss arts and english
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:09 AM
The people gathered in this picture denote that Starbucks is a meeting place for the upper class and connote high stature and grace. Also because they are dressed in old-fashioned clothes, one could denote that Starbucks is an old institution and has survived the years and this implies that Starbucks has good quality coffee. One man is shown painting on an easel, this may connote that Starbucks is a place for the cultural people to spend time. A woman is pictured holding a book and this may imply that Starbucks is for those who love literature. All of these give the idea that Starbucks is a place for wealthy, intelligent, and cultural people.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:10 AM
Starbucks has been pinned as extremely expensive and only for those with way to much time and money on their hands. When someone enters the store and orders the daily blend it is not uncommon for a total of over three dollars to come up. "Starbucks Aesthetic" implies that only the very "refined" and "dignified" can afford such a luxury. This is implied by the many sport coat jackets and fancy superfluos dresses that the women are sporting. The fact that they are all admiring a painting may also suggest that they are the snoby artsy type. Again satisfying the view that only the truly aristocratic may enjoy the lucious goodness that is Starbucks.
On the other hand you could also just look at this painting literaly and say hey this is a way to make people think that everyone drinks Satrbucks. So if you don't drink it you'll be left in tracks of the mob that ran to the nearest location. Because you know according to the picture... Everyones doing it!
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:10 AM
In the image, "The Starbucks Aesthetic," there are two different ways that interpretation can differ. The denotation of the piece is that Starbucks is a place where art and coffee meet. People are able to express their artistic side at Starbucks as people look on. The connotation behind the painting is, Starbucks is for the classy, cultured society of today, based on the multiple subjects' dress. The artist's inspiration for painting is Starbucks making it a happenin' place to be. There is more than one medium in the portrayal as we also see a sculpture and the art of barista with a myriad of coffee drinks.
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:10 AM
“The Starbucks Aesthetic” has multiple meanings in the eyes of different observers. Meaning is everything to the both the painter and then viewer. In the case of this painting the denotation that many be perceived from the artistic viewer would be one of a coffee shop. That same person may see the gathering of many people in an area in which to watch a painter paint a master piece while drinking Starbucks coffee. The meaning may also be interpreted in a connotative manner. If the painting was thought to be look at in this way it could be seen as a way to throw coffee at the consumer. The meaning that the gentlemanly figures give off is one of gentleness. They show that by drinking coffee one can become significant and elegant in their mannerisms. Becoming elite in the standing of social order may be connoted from the image. Though many thoughts and meanings may be derived from such an image it is those of the viewer that are more vibrantly assumed. –Sarah Knapp
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:10 AM
A possible denotation of this drawing is that drinking Starbucks coffee is like living the high life in Victorian England. It shows that drinking Starbucks equates to being sophisticated, and that you are one of the privileged few who can afford to drink this nectar of the Gods. It shows this through the type of clothing that the customers are wearing, the kind of room they are in and the one man painting.
A connotation that someone could draw from this is that people who drink Starbucks coffee are full of themselves. They think that by buying fancy and expensive coffee, that they will somehow become more sophisticated. This coffee is not only high in price, but high in class.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:12 AM
In “The Starbucks Aesthetic”, the piece of art shows a painter and observers in old-fashioned clothing drinking Starbucks. This piece appears to denote that these people commonly drink coffee from a modern commercial company. However, this could not be possible. Although this is the denotation of “The Starbucks Aesthetic”, most would not interpret it to literally mean that these old-fashioned individuals actually consumed beverages from this coffee provider. What this piece actually represents is the fact that these are wealthy people who are concerned with images. This can be supported by the quality of clothing that they are wearing (including hats, fans, and purses) and how they are viewing an artist work, along with the Greek figurine that is displayed in the corner. All of these elements in the artwork help to further the metaphor that is represented by the Starbucks drinks.
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:13 AM
Viewing "The Starbucks Aesthetic" for the first time, it seems rather simple. People are standing around watching a man paint and they are all drinking coffee. This mearly scratches the surface of what is happening in this painting. When you pry deeper, smaller, more subtle details are unveiled that help us understand the scene better. The clothes the people are wearing and the setting gives the viewer the impression of wealth and importance. The red table cloth stands out more than anything else which catches the eye immediately. This seems to focus our attention on the coffee that's on the table which is an important part of the painting.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:13 AM
The denotation of this picture is a group of seemingly upper class people relaxing, watching someone paint and drinking coffee. There is nothing deeper than that; it’s simply a painting of some people from a long time ago drinking coffee. Or is it?
The connotation of this picture shows more. Why is it set in a later period? Why is only the upper class drinking this coffee? This coffee screams sophistication. What’s in a cup of coffee? That which we call Starbucks by any other name would NOT taste as sweet. Starbucks is the only coffee that would make a person feel refined and important. Or is it?
Caribou is a fine place to get coffee. There is really no difference between the coffee choices. Is it the name? A caribou could be considered a strong, refined upper class animal. So, what’s up with Starbucks?
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:15 AM
In the “Starbucks Aesthetic” image, one could come up with different understandings of this piece. The denotation of the image could be understood as people just standing around a painter admiring his work while they are enjoying a hot cup of Starbucks coffee. It is a very common event to see people standing in a coffee shop, drinking coffee and admiring some sort of artwork. There could also be a deeper meaning to this picture though. The connotation of this image could imply, as the title suggests, “Starbucks Aesthetic,” that there is beauty in enjoying a cup of Starbucks coffee. Not so much in the actual, physical drinking of the coffee but the beauty is found in the experience. Artwork is usually thought of as beautiful, so having an artist painting a picture shows the beauty of the experience. The experience of drinking coffee at a Starbuck’s coffee shop is not like a stop at any coffee shop it is a whole beautiful experience to enjoy, or so the image suggests.
-Laura Shrode
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:15 AM
The denotation of the picture, shows that it is a group of what it seems like, upper class people drinking starbucks together and relaxing. The connotation of the picture is telling that starbucks is not only something to satisfy thirst. Coffee has come to be something socially. People gather together and have coffee on a daily basis. This is today, but the picture takes place long ago, suggesting that ever since then coffee has been a way to gather with friends and family. The picture also suggests that starbucks is for upper class people. There is a painter in the picture, which shows that they are upper class and it is only for them. Why does it have to be only for the upper class? Anyone is allowed to drink coffe. The picture stereotypes starbucks drinkers as rich.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:16 AM
Rich people are gathered in a room. One is painting something on an easel. Their clothing is old-fashioned, and one lady is holding a fan. They are all holding a cup of coffee. On close inspection, the Starbucks logo is recognizable on each cup. They appear to be in old-fashioned coffee shop. Apparently, Starbucks is a place of high culture.
Is there a deeper meaning? What is the artist trying to express? Maybe she had a purpose. Something feels wrong with this picture. The modern product seems out of place in the old-fashioned atmosphere. Starbucks is in the hand of all these influential people. Starbucks is controlling all these influential people. Starbucks is controlling art. Starbucks is controlling.
David Droullard
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:16 AM
The denotation of "The Starbucks Aesthetic" is what is seen at first glance. We see six men and two women, standing together; perhaps they are friends. We see a sign behind the figures listing coffee drinks; our subjects are in a coffee shop. They are nicely dressed and appear to be socializing. However, we can discern much more by looking deeper to the details of the picture. Notice the posture of the women; their backs are straight; they hold their drinks with elegant hands, fingers curved around the base of the cup. The men are gathered around the painting, perhaps discussing famous painters or other subjects that have upper class, or even snobbish, connotations. All of our subjects have sleeves over their cups to protect valuable, delicate hands from being burned. Even the chair upon which the man is sitting has a scrolling arm rest and upholstered cushions. The connotation of the picture is sophisticated. Although it is merely a scene of friends in a coffee shop, the artist had a clear message in mind and conveyed it through details.
By Abby Solom
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:17 AM
Proper ladies and gentlemen are enjoying a sip of warm, fresh coffee. Is it morning? Is it noon? It matters not. The coffee is good, the company is grand, and good times are being had by all.
This might be the denotation given by a casual reader upon looking at this photograph.
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:17 AM
Who doesnt want to be a cultured Ensligh person? And a cultured english person drinking Starbucks coffee?! Count me in! This is one view of the work "The Starbucks Aesthetic" in that it combines what people think of as high society along with the simple pleasure of Starbucks coffee. A painter, gentlemen in fine suits and a classical greek sculpture all enjoying the sweet aroma of fresh ground beans.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:17 AM
In assosiation with the title, denotative meaning behind a 'starbucks aesthetic' would conclude that the people in the picture all love, and enjoy their coffee - particularl Starbucks coffee, in this case. Artistically, this denotation is backed up by how each person in the portrait is painted holding a cup of steaming Starbuck's coffee. There is also an excess of it, many cups littering the table, which signifies the idea that Starbucks is so good and lovable that the people in the picture bought extra - just in case.
The positive denotation of the title, however, is also implied positively in it's connotation. An 'aesthetic' (....)
- Julie Hayes
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:17 AM
The Starbucks Aesthetic image is of a group of eight sophisticated ladies and gentleman at Starbucks. Eight men and women are drinking Starbucks beverages and gazing at a painting. THe mood in the room seems rather stuffy. The man painting the picture is not even looking at the canvas while he is he thinks he is to good to even pay attention. The other men and women look somewhat confused and yet still pleased while looking at the painting. This sophisticated group of men and women look of a higher class by their expensive clothes and drinking their coffee and lattes. But yet it seems that they are from different clicks of groups because no one seems to be looking at eachother. Also, this painting was setted in a male dominant environment. The women are excluded either behind the men or far away from the men.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:17 AM
This image is of some people hanging out in a group. It is easy to state the dennotation and the connotation.
The group of friends are at their favorite hangout, starbucks. Most of them ordered their "usual" beverage.Some of them are sitting and some are standing.At the front the artist is explaining the correct tecnique for swishing the brush across the canvas. They few who are drinking with straws clearly are more committed to how loud they can slurp their drinks.
The literal description is much more brief. There are eight people, two are sitting, and six are standing.One of the men that is sitting is painting. They are all wearing either coats or sport jackets.
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Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 8:14 PM
The literal denotation of the image, "The Starbucks Aesthetic" is a picture of eight people drinking Starbucks beverages. One man is sitting in a chair, painting on an easel and canvas as others observe his work and gaze around the room. One woman viewing the man's painting is carrying a book and another gazing elsewhere is fanning herself. At first glance, this picture just seems to be only one of people drinking coffee, but it can also be looked at in a connotative way. The coffee-drinkers gathered in this picture seem to be rich and sophisticated from the appearance of their expensive suits and fancy dresses, as well as their good posture and polite demeanor. It seems that they are strangers because they are not making much contact with each other and are keeping to themselves, but they all look like they are of high social and economic status. They all seem to have gathered at Starbucks to sip coffee as a leisurely pastime, as well as indulge in other luxuries the rich can afford such as painting and reading books; thus, associating Starbucks with a wealthy and luxurious lifestyle.
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:45 PM
Either way you see "The Starbucks Aesthetic" its a humorous picture. Weather your view point is in black and white as our denotative friends see things or in all the colors of connotation, it still causes you to giggle.
A bunch of English people stand around in blue, grey and brown dress clothes while watching a painter. The painter is designing a portrait of a man holding a starbucks coffee. All the other people, looking elegant, also are drinking their starbucks coffee from a straw.
Though describing the picture in a denotative way still allows you to understand the humor of the picture, it’s less likely to make you laugh. By using connotations you can paint the picture with words, and your more likely to get a chuckle.
Straight jacket, dignified men and lounge around with two royal-looking women covered in frills. From the mustaches on the men, to the feathers flocking the heads of the ladies, these folks are obviously dress to impress. Even the air around them seems to be stiff with the taste of upper class. As you observe this supreme party you suddenly take another look, noticing each holding something familiarish. Ohh yes, that’s it, Starbucks coffee, complete with the plastic green straws.
-anna gifford
By
Anonymous, at 10/23/06, 10:49 PM
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