Resource 15

Representation activities

Inquiry Questions:

1.	What textual features have been used to represent Jay?

2.	Is this representation fair?

While Listening Questions

1.	Koenig describes how the trial painted Adnan as possessive, overbearing and guilt ridden. How does this compare with the ways in which Koenig herself has represented Adnan in Serial?

2.	What textual evidence can we find to suggest the Koenig’s opinion that Adnan is innocent?

3.	How does Koenig represent Jay in this episode? Does she create a representation that contrasts to that of Adnan?

4.	What is implied by the comment that Jay “defies categorization”?

5.	Make a list of all the words and phrases used to describe Jay throughout the episode. Categorise these into three columns: positive/negative/neutral. Which column has the most words in it?

6.	Identify the gaps Koenig identifies in the investigation.

7.	What was the purpose of Koenig hiring detective Jim Tranam? What does the inclusion of interviews and conversations with him add to the episode?

8.	In this episode, multiple points of view are presented. Write a summary of these.

Writing Task

After Season One of Serial had aired, Jay is reported in ‘The Intercept’ to have claimed that Koenig ‘demonised’ him.

Choose one of the following writing tasks to complete:

Write a letter to Jay from the perspective of Koenig, responding to this comment and justifying the representation of Jay she created.

Or

Write an extended response in which you attempt to either prove or discredit Jay’s belief that Koenig demonised him.