Narrative theories from AS - revised for A2.

1. NARRATIVE THEORIES
Aim: Revisit narrative theories from
AS

3. WHICH NARRATIVE THEORIES CAN
YOU REMEMBER FROM LAST YEAR?
Ah…this will be the state of
disequilibrium in Lionel
Richie’s ‘Hello’! The director’s
use of binary opposites here
really exemplifies the hero’s
quest.

4. WHICH NARRATIVE THEORIES CAN
YOU REMEMBER FROM LAST YEAR?
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Todorov?
Barthes?
Propp?
Levi Strauss Binary
Opposites?

8. BARTHES NARRATIVE CODES
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Action code:
The audience will recognise an action code in a media
text as it is used to indicate what is the next logical
step. It advances the narrative eg the buckling of a
gun belt in a Western film signifies the start of a gun
fight.
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Look at the following…. What do you think they
indicate?
Packing of a suitcase?
Starting of a car engine?
Whistle of approaching train?
Flashing lights?

9. BARTHES NARRATIVE CODES
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Mystery Code or Enigma code:
This code is used to explain the narrative by controlling what and how much
information is given to the audience. It grabs the audience’s interest and
attention by setting up an enigma or problem that is resolved during the course
of the narrative. Eg, someone’s murderous hand in the opening sequence – who
does it belong to?
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The Semic Code
Basically, this code is all about signs and meanings in a text that tell us about
its narrative and characters. Eg, in a horror film, the supernatural would be
signified by the fear of light/garlic, an increase in body hair etc.
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The Cultural Code
This code is used in order for the narrative to make sense to a culturally and
socially aware audience. It makes reference to elements from the real world
that the audience will recognise, eg Aston Martins and Martinis in James Bond
films.
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Code of Oppositions
This code refers to a narrative that relies on binary opposites, eg, black v white,
hot v cold, male v female, nature v civilisation, war v peace etc.

10. TODOROV’S THEORY OF EQUILIBRIUM

11. USING IT IN YOUR RESEARCH AND
PLANNING?
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How can you use these theories in your research
and planning?