Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory

Ben Bateman

Todorovs Narrative Theory

Todorovs narrative theory is neither a liner or non linear narrative. Although there is an apparent beginning middle and end rather than it being a straight storyline, its more of a cycle. What this cycle includes is having an initial state of equilibrium, and then that becoming disequilibrium. The five stages are as follows:Equilibrium Disruption to that equilibrium DisequilibriumAttempts to restore equilibrium New found equilibrium

All of these aspects culminated to make Todorovs narrative theory, and create a foundation for many storylines.

How does this narrative theory relate to our film?Throughout our short film we never get the sense that there is a state of equilibrium. So although there are some aspects of it, it doesnt completely follow the narrative structure of Todorovs. From our film there is the disequilibrium, attempts to restore equilibrium and also many additional disruptions to the equilibrium. Disruptions would consist of her conflict with her parent, her getting kicked out of school. Her attempts to restore equilibrium, or at least feel better, although it may seem unusual comes through the smoking and the drinking, in an attempt to forget her situation.

Vladimir Propp Narrative TheoryVladimir Propps narrative theory is based on a set of characters that play a specific role in a film. These kind of characters have become compulsory in many films as they provide a structure to follow. The characters that are part of Propps theory are as follows:The hero the main character usually catalyst for restoring equilibriumThe villain the opposition, blocks attempts to restore equilibrium The donor usually assists the hero on his quest by donating something The dispatcher sends the hero out on his mission The false hero acts as a hero only to betray the actual hero and become a villain or is a villain The helper helps the hero on his quest The princess the reward for the hero completing his questHer father ensures that the hero is rewarded

Vladimir Propp Narrative theory The functions that the characters carry out are as follows:There is a state of order, where the surroundings are normal and tranquil The villain then harms one person or multiple people in the community. Creates disorderPerson in the community is vengeful or needs saving Hero is sent out on a quest Puts plan in place to overcome villain

How does this relate to our film. This narrative theory doesnt really relate to our film. As there is not a heroic character setting out on a mission to restore equilibrium. However there are aspects of this theory that can relate to our film, as there are people in the film who can be deemed as villainous characters. E.G the parents and teacher. People may be led to believe that Natalie is a victim of ill treatment from her parents and that the teacher was too ruthless in kicking Natalie out of school.

Claude Levi Strauss Binary Oppositions The binary opposition theory's is basically sets of opposites which reflect the difference between good and bad. These are values. Some of the examples of which opposites prominently appear in many narratives are:Good/badMale/femaleAbility/disability Love/hateBlack/whiteIntelligence/brute force

How does this relate to our film?There are many binary opposites that our evident in our film. Good and bad are evident in just Natalie alone. We get glimpses of her good side, a young innocent girl however we do see her inner demons take over and a bad side to Natalie is revealed. We see one side to the male/female binary opposites. We are exposed to females vulnerabilities during our short film and the struggles young girls face in the current society.

Roland Barthes Narrative Theory

Roland Barthes believed that all people that observed any type of media text would receive it and then would interpret it in many different ways. His theory was that a text could either be open and have multiple meanings or could be just closed and have one sole meaning. Barthes created narrative codes, such as the enigma code whereby the resolving of the text comes from the audience. The narrative was categorised in to five different ways. These ways were:Enigma codeSymbols and signsCultural reference Simple description/reproduction