2. Narrative refers to the different types of story structure that genres employ as
well as the actual story-telling devices and narrative moments which they are
associated with.
There are different structures of narratives such as linear, which means there will
be a clear beginning, middle and end. Aristole identified the basic linear line
structure. He observed that the middle section may involve some crisis resolved
at the end of the story.
There are circular narrative structures which means the beginning is the same as
the end of the film. Seen in the play Blood Brothers and ‘The Hangover’.
NARRATIVE
3. Tododrov’s narrative theory states that a narrative will follow this sturcture-
Equilibrium; how the place and characters begin at the start of the story.
Disequilibrium; a disruption to the equilibrium.
Recognition (of the disruption)
Resolution; plan to resolve the disequilibrium.
Restoration of equilibrium; the story returns back to the beginning.
Vladimir Propp went through hundreds of fairy/folk tales and identified:
; 8 character roles- villain, hero, donor, helper, princess, her father, dispatcher,
false hero.
; 31 functions which moves the story along e.g. punishment of villain or ban of
an action.
NARRATIVE THEORISTS.
4. TODOROV’S THEORY CAN BE APPLIED TO HORROR FILMS SUCH AS SWEENY TODD.
1. Benjamin Barker returns to London after 15 years arrest in australia under the new identity of
Sweeny Todd, hoping to regain a new normal life. (Equilibrium)
2. However when in Fleet Street he learns by (Mrs Lovett) that his wife poisoned herself after Jude
Turpin (who falsely charged Benjamin) raped her. He also learns that the judge is the legal guardian of
his daughter. (Disequilibrium)
3. Todd decides to reopen his barber shop but can not help but feel angry towards Judge Turpin and
lets his anger get the better of him when he murders a man who blackmails him and misses and
opportunity to murder judge Turpin. (Recognition).
4. Todd then turns his revenge to the entire world and vents his murderous rage on his customers
whilst waiting until he can kill judge Turpin. Mrs Lovett then comes up with the plan of using dead
bodies in her pies in order to make more money and improve her business, this they both benefit
from the situation. (Repair/solution).
5. At the end of the story Todd kills what seems to be a beggar women and Turpin. However the
beggar woman turned out to be his wife, that miss Lovett lied about her dying so Todd throws Miss
Lovett into the furnace. Whilst cradling his dead wife Todd lets a boy named Toby kill him so Todd
can be at peace with his wife. (Restoration)
5. The Hermeneutic Code; any element within the story that is not fully explained
and becomes a mystery to the reader. The real truth is often avoided.
The Semantic Code; the connotation within the story that gives additional
meaning over the basic meaning of the word therefore we are able to paint
images with our minds.
The Cultural Code; anything that cannot be challenged and is assumed to be the
foundation of truth. This usually involves either science or religion however
magical truths are often found in fantasy films.
The Proairetic Code; builds tension within the film by implying that some other
piece of action is about to happen which makes the audience keep guessing. This
is usually done within horror films.
The Symbolic Code; organizes semantic meanings into broader and deeper sets
of meanings.
ROLAND BARTHES
6. The Hermeneutic Code; any element within the story that is not fully explained
and becomes a mystery to the reader. The real truth is often avoided.
The Semantic Code; the connotation within the story that gives additional
meaning over the basic meaning of the word therefore we are able to paint
images with our minds.
The Cultural Code; anything that cannot be challenged and is assumed to be the
foundation of truth. This usually involves either science or religion however
magical truths are often found in fantasy films.
The Proairetic Code; builds tension within the film by implying that some other
piece of action is about to happen which makes the audience keep guessing. This
is usually done within horror films.
The Symbolic Code; organizes semantic meanings into broader and deeper sets
of meanings.
ROLAND BARTHES
