This document discusses two theories of narrative structure: Todorov's and Levi-Strauss'. Todorov's theory proposes that narratives follow five stages: equilibrium, disruption, realization, attempt to repair, restoration of equilibrium. Levi-Strauss focused on how narratives use binary oppositions like light/dark. Students are asked to analyze music videos using these theories and write blog posts explaining the theorists and applying their theories.

1. Narrative theory
This is also important for your exam in the
summer

2. 2
What does narrative mean?
• Narrative is HOW the story is told.
• The structure
• Linear/ non linear
• Chronological order
• Flashbacks/ ellipses

3. Learning outcomes
• Understand Todorov’s theory of narrative
• Apply Todorov’s narrative theory to a music video
• Find examples of your own music videos that relate to Todorov’s
theory.

4. Todorov’s narrative theory
Tzvetan Todorov suggested there were 5 stages to a narrative:
• Equilibrium (happy start)
• A disruption of this equilibrium by an event (problem)
• A realisation that a disruption has happened
• An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption (problem is solved)
• A restoration of the equilibrium (happy ending)

5. Music video?
Watch the music video and analyse how Todorov’s theory can be applied
to the narrative

6. Blog post: Narrative theory- Todorov
For this post you need to:
• Explain who Todorov was/ is
• What is his narrative theory?
• Find examples of real music videos that can be applied to is theory?
• How does your own music video apply (or not) to Todorov’s theory of
narrative?

7. Learning outcomes
• Understand Levi-Strauss’ theory of narrative
• Apply Levi Strauss’ narrative theory to a music video
• Find examples of your own music videos that relate to Levi Strauss’
theory.

8. Levi-Strauss’ narrative theory
Claude Levi- Strauss was interested in how much of our world is
described in terms of opposites (binary oppositions)
Night/day, good/bad, light/dark
He noticed that these oppositions tended to structure texts such as
stories, plays and films.

9. For example
Gender (masculine/feminine)
Age (youth/ old)
Ethnicity (white/ black)
Social class (upper/ lower)

10. Music video
What binary oppositions can you see in this music video?

11. Blog post: Narrative theory- Levi-Strauss
For this post you need to:
• Explain who Levi Strauss was/ is
• What is his narrative theory?
• Find examples of real music videos that can be applied to is theory?
• How does your own music video apply (or not) to Levi-Strauss’ theory
of narrative?