The text as a whole is a combination of a variety of textual forms and media. This offers multiple layers of meaning and responding pathways.
Homepage is important.
Title - 'Bearing Witness to History' - Biblical allusion to Jesus carrying his cross, reflects Christian religious context of Smithsonian composers.
Colour - Symbolism. Use of reds, whites, blues represent the American flag. Americans consid their flag to be extremely important. It is an icon. It is a symbol of their pride, resilience and sense of solidarity/unity.
Language - Agency/Passive Voices. Read the summary passage and notice how the American public is given the passive voice. This helps to evoke further sympathy for them.
Portals/Hyperlinks - structural devices which help the viewer navigate the site. Remember you are studying a website! You have to use the right terminology.
Rolling Photographs/Graphics - Literal and Symbolic (denotations v connotations). E.g. flags, toys, clothing, other artifacts. Create a sense of realism and authenticity.
Three Sections of the Website
Collection
- objects including pins
- clothing/wallets/hats
- motifs e.g. American flag/colours
- artifacts become evidence of the event
Tell Your Story
- 24 featured stories
- Valery Christopher's story: personification of New York
- Megan Marinello: poetry/poem entitled 'Towers of Angels'
Exhibition
- now closed (was a 2-3 year tour)
- commerated
- highlights