8/2/2019 Mythologies 1

1/2

Roland Barthes: Mythologies.

Two parts:

1. Collection of essays about a selection of myths in (french) daily life. (Wrestling as

spectacle, french toys teaching children to be consumers, not creators, the fringes of the

Romans in American films, the steak rare and fries etc.).

2. Semiological explanation of myth.

In general:

Understanding, deconstruction and critique of the myth as intrinsic part and constructor of

(bourgeoise) society and (mass)culture.

Explanation of the workings of mythology as a fragment of semiology.

Important points:

Myth is a type of speech/ system of communication defined by its intention.

Speech understood as message not only oral speech including:

Modes of writing

Representations

Photography

Cinema

Reporting

Sport

Shows

Publicity

(We could add videogames)

Myth is speech stolen and restored example: clich.

Double system of mythical sign:

Constantly moving turnstile presenting alternately the meaning of the signifier and its

form; a languageobject and a metalanguage; a purely signifying and a purely imagining

conciousness.

Because of this constant distortion, the myth is not just a symbol, but gains meaning by

presence while at the same time emptying itself by becoming artificial/transparent

presence.

8/2/2019 Mythologies 1

2/2