Question
HIGH SCHOOL
LORC
Mich Thomas
Bluey
Rhetorical Analysis Exercise
As we watch the Bluey episodes "Sleepytime" and Rain" begin to take notes (on a separate sheet of paper) to
help formulate your answers to the following analysis questions.
"Sleepytime"
1. What message about the roles of mothers is being portrayed in this episode and how does this highlight
the impact of comfort object and/or people in a child's life?
2. What is the message of this episode? What rhetorical choices made by the writers/ illustrators helps
develop this message?
3. What visual choices create the tone in this episode? How does the tone differ for each character group?
"Rain"
1. What roles of adults are being portrayed in this episode and how is this juxtaposed with the roles of
children? What message is being crafted through the juxtaposition of these roles?
2. What visual choices create the tone in this episode? How does the tone differ for each character group?
3. What rhetorical choices made by the writers/ illustrators helps develop the central message of this
episode?
BOTH Episodes
1. What role does the music have in the episodes "Rain" and "Sleepytime"?
2. How would the messages of each episode be impacted if dialogue were introduced in addition to the
music OR if dialogue were introduced and used instead of the music?
3. Analyze and infer why the writers/illustrators may have made this creative choice when writing these
particular episodes
Paragraph Write
One integral format for the show, Bluey, is that it includes a message for both a direct and indirect audience.
Identify who the direct and indirect audiences are for ONE of the episodes above and then write a 1-2
paragraph analysis answering the following. You may want to use your answers from the analysis above to
help formulate your response.
1. In what ways does the message(s) of the episode differ for each individual audience based on the
conotative or rhetorical choices the writers make? In what ways do the messages connect or align t
create a cohesive episode? You will want to consider the background knowledge and experiences
each of these audiences in your analysis.
2. Why does this structure for each episode work and how does this structure help endear the show t
such a wide array of viewers? What other television shows have adopted this format and does it w
as well for them as it does with Bluey?
Answer
"Sleepytime" portrays the message that mothers play a crucial role in comforting their children. The impact of comfort objects and people in a child's life is highlighted through the use of Bluey's teddy bear, which provides her with a sense of security and comfort. The message of the episode is that a mother's love and comfort can help a child overcome their fears and anxieties. The writers and illustrators use visual choices such as warm colors and soft lighting to create a cozy and comforting tone. The music in the episode is also soothing and calming, adding to the overall tone.
The direct audience for "Sleepytime" is children, while the indirect audience is parents. The message for children is that it's okay to have fears and anxieties, and that their mothers are there to comfort and support them. For parents, the message is that their love and comfort can have a significant impact on their children's emotional well-being. The messages connect and align to create a cohesive episode that appeals to both audiences.
The structure of including messages for both direct and indirect audiences works well for Bluey because it allows the show to appeal to a wide range of viewers. Other television shows, such as Sesame Street, have also adopted this format with great success. By including messages that resonate with both children and adults, Bluey creates a shared viewing experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.