This document discusses Todorov's narrative theory and Strauss' theory of binary opposites as applied to the film Silent House. It outlines Todorov's five stages of narrative: equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition, attempt to repair, new equilibrium. These stages are then applied to plot points in Silent House. The document also notes Strauss' belief in binary opposites providing narrative structure and includes a chart analyzing the film's use of opposites between victim and killer and how this provides climactic tension.

1. Assignment 15:
Narrative theory
Gelsomina De Lucia
Kelly Morales
Chelsea Hopkins
Tayla Humphris

2. Todorov Task 1

3. Todorov Theory
• Todorov believes there are five stages of narratives:
The equilibrium(normality)
The disequilibrium(conflict/disruption of the equilibrium)
The recognition of the equilibrium
Attempt to repair the disequilibrium
New equilibrium(New normality)
• The disequilibrium motivates the cause and effect of the
following stages

4. Todorov’s Theory
Equilibrium: The equilibrium in the film is when we are introduced to the
characters and the house. The girl returns to her childhood home.
Disequilibrium: The dad goes missing and we think someone is in the house
Recognition of the disequilibrium: She realises that there is an intruder and
begins to panic
The attempt to repair the situation: She manages to escape in a car and the
uncle comes to the house, however he drives her back to the house and she is
left in the car alone
The new equilibrium: Sarah becomes aware that she that it is all in her head
as she realised her father used to abuse her in this childhood home, which
could have been the trigger of the tricks her mind was playing on her

5. Strauss Theory
• He believed that our world consists of Binary Opposites, the
confliction of themes within real life and stories. E.g
Night/day, dark/light
• He believed that opposition offered structure in films, books
and plays
– The problem with is it creates a dangerous norm and the oppositions can lead
to a status in hierarchy, in which the audience believes one side has to win

6. Strauss Chart (Narrative theory)
Film
Opposite 1
Opposite 2
Explanation
Explain how they are opposites :
Silent House
Male/female
Day/Night
Innocent/Evil
Extension: How does the binary
opposites provide narrative structure:
Victim





Vulnerable
Young
Unstable
Delusional
Paradoxical
Killer



Acts Innocent
Disguises who he really is
Interchangeable personalities
It clarifies the ending and the characters
characterization is the result in the
ending being psychological. Without a
villain and victim there is no narrative
structure as it creates a climatic point
during the film.
Extensions: Evaluate the use of
binary opposites
The use of the killer having
interchangeable characteristics to
manipulate the victim. However this is
challenged to a certain extent as the
killer does not physically harm her but
mentally.