Assignment 8: Narrative Theory

Fatou Panzout

Part A: Todorov (1&2)

Todorov

Todorov

Todorov suggests that there are 5 main stages of narrative (with 3 major stages)◦ Equilibrium (Normality)

◦ Disequilibrium (conflict of equilibrium by action or event)

◦ Recognition of Disequilibrium (conflict/disruption)

◦ Attempt to repair disequilibrium

◦ New Equilibrium (New Normality)

Todorov‟s Narrative Theory

1.EQUILIBRIUM

3. RECOGNITION OF THE

DISRUPTION

2. DISRUPTION

OF EQUILIBRIUM

4. AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE

DAMAGE

5. NEW EQUILIBRIUM

Todorov

The disturbance of the equilibrium pushes the effect/cause chain of events that makes the plot of the film. Stages 2,3,4 can sometime s be repeated over and over again before we can reach the final stage of new equilibrium (end). Thus, the anticipation („the edge of our seats‟) is maintained by the lack of resolution. The complete narrative structure builds the audiences pleasure and satisfaction that are met by the resolution: „Happy Ending‟.

Quite often, the new equilibrium absorbs a new state of being, where not only has order been returned, but some kind of learning process or improvement to life has taken place.

In the case of mainstream films (trilogies), each film leaves the audience with an unfinished aspect of the plot of the film, in order for the audience to get ready for the next sequel.

Different types of genres will show the 5 stage process differently, capturing different typical disturbance and resolutions

Todorov Task 1

Todorov Task 2

Claude Levi-Strauss

Levi-Strauss

He believed that our world is described as Binary Opposites. When we see into the themes that the stories and even real life consist of, we come to realize that they have differences, contradictions and conflict or opposites.

◦ Day/Night

◦ Good/Bad

◦ Light/Dark

◦ Female/Male

We recognize that the essential conflict in relation to the narrative, which shows a familiarity in stories and films

Strauss also believed that these oppositions are quite fundamental to our ability to make meanings of our own lives. For example, we understand the fact the good is an opposition of evil.

He believed opposition brought more structure to text including things like stories, books, plays, and films

Example

HERO VILLIANGOOD EVIL

NATIVE OTUSIDE

LOVE HATE

HANDSOME UGLY

Example – Western Genre

SETTLERS NATIVE AMERICANS

CIVILISED SAVAGE

CHRISTIAN PAGAN

ORDERED SOCIETY

TOWN

OUTSIDE SOCIETY

WILDERNESS

HANDSOME SCARRED

Problem

However there is a problem with Strauss‟ theory

Oppositions can essentially lead to a status of hierarchy, leaning on one side having to „win‟ the conflict; even though it is tied to the structure of the narrative

But the audience are expected to favour the winning side.

This may create a dangerous norm (e.g. ideal image of white, big muscles, strong, handsome, brave male hero).

Genre: Drama

Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation

“Juice”

• Q is a member of “The Wrecking Crew” but is the most sensible out of all. He knows his right from wrongs and is also an aspiring DJ.

• Bishop is also a

member of “The Wrecking Crew” but he is the most violent out of all of them. He seeks to have power and respect, even though he doesn‟t really deserve it. For this causes him to kill a numerous amount of people to try and accomplish this mission

The difference between the two is that one of them is good, knowing his rights from wrong and doesn‟t want to cause trouble, whereas the other character seems to do all things bad, and seeks things that must be earned and not forced.

Roland Barthes

Enigma – Paranormal Activity

Who/What is this figure ?Why is it there ?Is this figure going for the girl in the bed ?

Is she a victim ?Who is she ?What she doing there ?

Action Code

Thriller/Mystery Slasher/Horror Romance

Action: • Villain walks in with gun • People casually playing poker (unaware of the villains)

Action:• Being alone in a room

Action:• Girlfriend finds out that he‟s really not a chef, they break up

Assumptions:• Victims get shot•Or they get robbed

Assumptions: •Victim gets killed

Assumptions:• They get back together•They kiss and make up

Semantic Code

Not as good looking

Not really strong

Evil and Selfish

Better Looking, handsome

Manly, strong

Good hearted

HeroVillain

Semantic Code – Colour Black

Devil Wears Prada (Romance/Drama)

Black Dress –Elegance, Sexy, and power

Black Swan (Horror/Thriller)

Black Dress – Evil, Power, MysteryDark Make (Black) -Death

Symbolic Code – Poetic Justice(Females)

Together are free from one of them suffering from depressionLesha saved Justice, giving her a new hope in love

Out in the open space, giving them more freedom.More time for Justice to re-evaluate her life and decisions

Both of them happy and free in the sunny weather, together having fun, like there‟s no tomorrow

They both begin to realize their ways, and are determined to change their ways. Lesha must stop drinking and Justice needs to build new hope in love again

Symbolic Code – Poetic Justice(Males)

• Justice‟s first boyfriend, wasn‟t a good man but treated her right. • As he got shot, it lead to Justice‟s depression as he was her first and only loved one

• Chicago was Lesha‟sman, he did love her but was really with her for sex.• He was quite abusive to her because he didn‟t like the excessive drinking Lesha was doing.

Lucky was good hearted man, he was defensive for what he felt was right and was determined to find love within Justice

Cultural Code

Poetic Justice was set in 1993, where crime in America were at an all time high and the main focus of it. Especially of the Black Ethnicity Group.

Vladimir Propp

Hero

The male is sent on a quest, so that he can restore disequilibrium, usually he fights the villain but in this case the princess falls in love with another and fights the villain in order to save her new found love

Villian

• Causes Disruption• Opposes the hero/heroine• Is a threat to the hero/heroine

Dispatcher

Even though she‟s the villian, she puts the Prince through countless missions to fight monsters etc.

Just so she can keep him distracted from getting to the Princess

Donor

She helps the “false hero”/sidekick in this situation rather than the hero.

She provides the helper with a poison apple to kill the princess so that she can remain in power

Helper

The chipmunk is the sidekick for the prince, as it tries to help the Prince to find the princess, but also tries to save the princess life.

On the other hand this helper, is more on the Queens side, helping her to try and capture the princess in order to kill her.

Heroine

He is a vulnerable character, as he does save the princess but also he is in aid of the princess, who needs to save him

False Hero

He is the false hero as he feels that he saves the day, in trying to capture the princess for the queen.But really what hes doing is all for the wrong reason

Part E – Diegesis in filmLittle Man

Everything that happens within doesn‟t connect with the audience in anyway possible, as they‟re all in their world.For example, when the “baby” happened to kiss the woman in a melodramatic way.This only encountered with the characters and only they experienced it.