Here's a breakdown:
* Literal Interpretation: This means understanding the text as it's presented, focusing on the words and images without looking for hidden meanings.
* Story, Characters, and Events: This involves understanding the plot, the main characters, and the actions that take place in the media text.
* Average Viewer or Reader: This refers to the general audience, not necessarily experts or scholars, who would be more likely to look for deeper meanings.
For example:
* Surface meaning of a news report about a car accident: A car accident occurred, there were injuries, and the police are investigating.
* Surface meaning of a romantic comedy movie: Two people meet, they fall in love, and they end up together.
* Surface meaning of a song about a broken heart: The singer is sad because their relationship ended.
However, it's important to remember:
* Media texts often have multiple levels of meaning, including surface meaning and deeper meanings.
* Context plays a crucial role in understanding a media text, as different audiences may interpret it differently.
* Critical thinking is important to move beyond the surface meaning and explore the underlying messages, biases, and social implications of a media text.
By understanding the surface meaning of a media text, you can gain a basic understanding of what it's trying to convey. However, to fully appreciate its complexity and impact, it's essential to explore deeper layers of meaning and consider the context in which it's presented.