Assignment 8 - Narrative Theory
- 1. Assignment 8: Narrative Theory Fatou Panzout
- 3. Todorov
- 4. 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
- 5. 1.EQUILIBRIUM 2. DISRUPTION 5. NEW OF EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM Todorov‟s Narrative Theory 4. AN ATTEMPT 3. RECOGNITION TO REPAIR THE OF THE DAMAGE DISRUPTION
- 6. 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
- 10. 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 Levi-Strauss
- 11. HERO VILLIAN GOOD EVIL NATIVE OTUSIDE LOVE HATE HANDSOME UGLY Example
- 12. SETTLERS NATIVE AMERICANS CIVILISED SAVAGE CHRISTIAN PAGAN ORDERED SOCIETY OUTSIDE SOCIETY TOWN WILDERNESS HANDSOME SCARRED Example – Western Genre
- 13. 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). Problem
- 14. Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation “Juice” The difference between the two is that one of them is good, knowing his rights from wrong and doesn‟t want to cause trouble, • Q is a member of “The • Bishop is also a whereas the other Wrecking Crew” but is the member of “The character seems to most sensible out of all. Wrecking Crew” but he do all things bad, He knows his right from is the most violent out of all of them. He seeks and seeks things wrongs and is also an to have power and that must be earned aspiring DJ. respect, even though and not forced. he doesn‟t really deserve it. For this causes him to kill a numerous amount of people to try and accomplish this mission Genre: Drama
- 15. Roland Barthes
- 16. 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 ? Enigma – Paranormal Activity
- 17. Thriller/Mystery Slasher/Horror Romance Action: Action: Action: • Villain walks in with gun • Girlfriend finds out that • People casually playing • Being alone in a he‟s really not a chef, they poker (unaware of the room break up villains) Assumptions: Assumptions: Assumptions: • Victims get shot • They get back together •Or they get robbed •Victim gets killed •They kiss and make up Action Code
- 18. Not as good Villain Hero looking Better Looking, handsome Not really strong Manly, strong Evil and Selfish Good hearted Semantic Code
- 19. Devil Wears Prada Black Swan (Romance/Drama) (Horror/Thriller) Black Dress – Evil, Black Dress – Power, Mystery Elegance, Sexy, and Dark Make (Black) - power Death Semantic Code – Colour Black
- 20. Together are free from one of them suffering from depression Lesha 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 They both begin to and free in the realize their ways, and are sunny weather, determined to change together having fun, their ways. like there‟s no Lesha must stop drinking tomorrow and Justice needs to build new hope in love again Symbolic Code – Poetic Justice (Females)
- 21. • 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‟s man, he did love her but was really with her for sex. Lucky was good • He was quite hearted man, he was abusive to her because he didn‟t like defensive for what he the excessive felt was right and was drinking Lesha was determined to find love doing. within Justice Symbolic Code – Poetic Justice (Males)
- 22. 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. Cultural Code
- 23. Vladimir Propp
- 24. 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 Hero
- 25. • Causes Disruption • Opposes the hero/heroine • Is a threat to the hero/heroine Villian
- 26. 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 Dispatcher
- 27. 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 Donor
- 28. 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. Helper
- 29. 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 Heroine
- 30. 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 False Hero
- 31. 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. Part E – Diegesis in film Little Man