Analysis of the ‘stripper on dole’ news article

This article is a report from the tabloid newspaper ‘The Sun’. The main purpose of the article is to cause the reader to have a negative opinion towards the “mum”. This is a sensational piece of writing which means there is a lot of exaggerated detail which evokes interest from the reader. However the content is quite plain and the article contains very short paragraphs with a very repetitive introduction. I will be analysing the use and effects of the headline, strap line, the crime, picture and finally who the article is about.
Firstly the headline is very bold and has quite a large font size which is used to catch the eye of the reader. The first word in the headline is the common/concrete noun “stripper” which is used to create an overall negative vibe due to the fact that strippers are not ranked very highly in society. The word “stripper” is used in his context to evoke a salacious response. The concrete noun “stripper” is followed by the noun “dole” which gives the reader the sense that this person is lazy and immoral. The verb “cavorts” is also used in the headline in a derogatory way to imply that the “stripper” is acting in an indecent way. This is also used by the writer to strike controversy in the audience. The headline includes the rhyme of “dole” and “pole” which could have been used for the effect of mocking the woman. The rhyme was also used to keep the reader engaged and to make the article stand out by having a bawdy, music hall rhythm.
The strap line starts by referring to the woman by the concrete noun “mum” which would usually evoke sympathy in the reader. However as the headline has defined her role predominantly as a “stripper” the noun “mum” has become subordinate and less powerful in this sense. The verb “swindles” is then used portray her as a criminal and is also used to exaggerate what terrible “mum” she is. This is also used to distance the reader from the “mum” and to bring to mind that she has stolen from the reader which in effect is used to shock and anger the reader. This is followed by “£7k” which gives the impression of somebody stealing a vast amount of money in one go.
In this article it is clear that they are trying to portray her as a terrible person that should have no sympathy from the public. The text starts by calling her by the colour of her hair, “brunette”, which is used to depersonalise her and label her as a sexual object. The use of the verbs “pocketed” and “raking” give the reader the impression that she is a thief and has literally stolen the money in the same way that a bank robber would. The use of the noun “stripper”, the adjective “exotic” and the phrase “hanging up her heels” all contribute to the impression of a promiscuous caricature.