Inspiration Week-Lesson One-Structual Theorists

As a class we then looked at narrative theories created by structural theorists:

Tzvetan Todorov:Todorov proposed a basic theory/structure for all narratives. He stated that films and TV programme’s begin with an equilibrium, a calm period. Then elements of disruption cause disequilibrium, creating a climax and a period of unsettlement. A new equilibrium is created; where normality is restored but not the same as the beginning.

Aristotle: Aristotle believed that the plot of a narrative must be “a whole”, with a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning should introduce the protagonist, building a relationship between the audience and characters. The middle/climax must be caused by earlier incidents that unwind to cause an upset or argument between characters. The end/restoration, must allow characters find a solution that solves all of there needs.

Claude Levi-Strauss: Claude Levi Strauss believed that characters built up the narrative of media texts, he argued that binary oppositions or a conflict between two characters or scenarios helped concrete the narrative.

Vladimir Propp: Vladmir Propp like Claude Levi-Strauss also believed that characters help build up the narrative. He argued that characters in a film usually folktales/fairytales fit in certain stereotypes and categories and this i what builds up the narrative. He believed that there were commonly eight character functions used including the villain, the hero, the donor, the helper, the princess, the father, the dispatcher and the false hero.

Roland Barthes: Roland Barthes believed that codes and conventions/unwritten rules of media texts help build up the narrative which allows the audience to make sense of the media text. It a

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ws the media text to be in full control of the audience and make them feel how the media text wants them to feel. This theory is quite complex however it informs the audience.

We then had to apply our synopsis to these theories:

Todorov Theory:

A state of equilibrium a the outset:

All is calm as the music gig.

A disruption of that equilibrium by some action:

He spills his coffee on her.

A recognition that there has been a disruption:

Doctors say that she has severe burns.

An attempt to repair that disruption:

The doctor treats her with medicine.

A re-instatement of the initial equilibrium but with some change:

They have children and get married.

Claude Levi-Strauss Theory/Binary Oppositions: