Todorov
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The document discusses several theorists who contributed to structuralist theories of narrative. It describes Tzvetan Todorov's concepts of equilibrium, disequilibrium, and new equilibrium in narratives. It also mentions Roland Barthes' five codes that make up narratives, including the enigma code. Claude Levi-Strauss argued that narratives are based on binary oppositions and deeper paradigmatic meanings rather than surface structures. Vladimir Propp analyzed folk tales and identified eight character roles and 31 predictable functions that commonly occur.
Todorov
- 1. Tzvetan TODOROV A Bulgarian structuralist, mainly concerned with linguistics who began to produce influential work on narrative from the 1960’s onwards.
- 2. The Classical Narrative EQUILIBRIUM: The normal (norm) state at the beginning of the text. Any opposing forces are in balance. DIS-EQUILIBRIUM: An action or conflict introduced into the narrative. NEW-EQUILIBRIUM: The conflict is resolved and the narrative strands are tied together
- 3. Roland Barthes Barthes is famous in Media Studies for suggesting that narratives work with five codes. The Action or Proairetic The Enigma or Hermeneutic The Semic The symbolic The Cultural or referential The enigma code is the most famous as we use this to make guesses as to how the narrative will finish, therefore providing pleasure for the audience.
- 4. Claude Levi-Strauss Argued that meaning in narratives is based upon binary oppositions. (conflict) he was less interested in the arrangement (syntagmatic) of the narrative (or order) and more in the deeper meaning (paradigmatic) of themes.
- 5. Strauss applied to the Western Homesteaders Christian Domestic Weak (Need Cowboy hero) Garden Wilderness Civilised Native American Pagan Savage Strong Wilderness Outside Society Barbaric
- 6. Vladimir Propp The Morphology of the Folk Tale was first published in 1928. Propp examined hundreds of folk tales and concluded that a formula was commonplace including: 8 character roles or spheres or action (character and action being inseparable) 31 functions, always highly predictable such as the villain being punished at end of story.
- 7. Propp: Spheres of Action The villain The hero The donor The helper The Princess Her Father (the King who rewards hero) The dispatcher who sends hero on his way The false hero (usually good looking and a coward)