The document discusses narrative theory and describes Roland Barthes' theory that narratives are constructed using five codes: action, enigma, symbolic, semic, and cultural. It also describes Claude Levi-Strauss' theory of binary oppositions, using the example of homesteaders vs. Native Americans. Finally, it notes that the media product being discussed falls under the binary opposition of good vs. evil, with a victim and villain.

1. Barthes and Strauss

2. The theories
 Frenchman Roland Barthes suggested that narrative works with five different
codes which activate the reader to make sense of it.
 Action – a narrative device by which a resolution is produced through action.
 Enigma – a narrative device that teases the audience by presenting a puzzle or
riddle to be solved.
 Symbolic – (Connotation)
 Semic – (Denotation)
 Cultural – a narrative device which the audience can recognise as being a part of a
culture.

3. The theories
• Strauss examined how films reflected the values of a particular culture., and came up with the theory
of binary oppositions
Homestaeders
Christian
Domestic
Weak
Garden
Inside society
Native Amerians
Pagan
Savage
Strong
Wilderness
Outside society

4. Our project
 In terms of how our media product relates to these theories, there are very few
things that we can associate our product with.
 However, our media product comes under the binary opposition, Good vs Evil.
 There is a victim in our production, and there is also a villain, making it quite a
usual production.