Assignment 8: Narrative Theory

Fatou Panzout

Part A: Todorov (1&2)

Todorov

Todorov

Todorov suggests that there are 5 main stages of narrative (with 3 major stages)◦ Equilibrium (Normality)

◦ Disequilibrium (conflict of equilibrium by action or event)

◦ Recognition of Disequilibrium (conflict/disruption)

◦ Attempt to repair disequilibrium

◦ New Equilibrium (New Normality)

Todorov‟s Narrative Theory

1.EQUILIBRIUM

3. RECOGNITION OF THE

DISRUPTION

2. DISRUPTION

OF EQUILIBRIUM

4. AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE

DAMAGE

5. NEW EQUILIBRIUM

Todorov

The disturbance of the equilibrium pushes the effect/cause chain of events that makes the plot of the film. Stages 2,3,4 can sometime s be repeated over and over again before we can reach the final stage of new equilibrium (end). Thus, the anticipation („the edge of our seats‟) is maintained by the lack of resolution. The complete narrative structure builds the audiences pleasure and satisfaction that are met by the resolution: „Happy Ending‟.

Quite often, the new equilibrium absorbs a new state of being, where not only has order been returned, but some kind of learning process or improvement to life has taken place.

In the case of mainstream films (trilogies), each film leaves the audience with an unfinished aspect of the plot of the film, in order for the audience to get ready for the next sequel.

Different types of genres will show the 5 stage process differently, capturing different typical disturbance and resolutions

Todorov Task 1

Todorov Task 2

Equilibrium – White Chicks

FBI doing there daily job, looking for whatever it is they need to look for.

Task 2

Disequilibrium

They have two famous twins that they have to escort to a hotel, but get into a car crash.

Task 2

Recognition of Disequilibrium

The two officers have to switch places with the twins, taking there place as them. Without telling anybody.

Task 2

Attempt to repair disequilibrium

After everybody found out about the officers switching places with the twins, the villains get caught, one of the officers relationship gets fixed

Task 2

New Equilibrium

The officers go shopping with their new found friends.

Claude Levi-Strauss

Levi-Strauss

He believed that our world is described as Binary Opposites. When we see into the themes that the stories and even real life consist of, we come to realize that they have differences, contradictions and conflict or opposites.

◦ Day/Night

◦ Good/Bad

◦ Light/Dark

◦ Female/Male

We recognize that the essential conflict in relation to the narrative, which shows a familiarity in stories and films

Strauss also believed that these oppositions are quite fundamental to our ability to make meanings of our own lives. For example, we understand the fact the good is an opposition of evil.

He believed opposition brought more structure to text including things like stories, books, plays, and films

Example

HERO VILLIANGOOD EVIL

NATIVE OTUSIDE

LOVE HATE

HANDSOME UGLY

Example – Western Genre

SETTLERS NATIVE AMERICANS

CIVILISED SAVAGE

CHRISTIAN PAGAN

ORDERED SOCIETY

TOWN

OUTSIDE SOCIETY

WILDERNESS

HANDSOME SCARRED

Problem

However there is a problem with Strauss‟ theory

Oppositions can essentially lead to a status of hierarchy, leaning on one side having to „win‟ the conflict; even though it is tied to the structure of the narrative

But the audience are expected to favour the winning side.

This may create a dangerous norm (e.g. ideal image of white, big muscles, strong, handsome, brave male hero).

Genre: Drama

Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation

“Juice”

• Q is a member of “The Wrecking Crew” but is the most sensible out of all. He knows his right from wrongs and is also an aspiring DJ.

• Bishop is also a

member of “The Wrecking Crew” but he is the most violent out of all of them. He seeks to have power and respect, even though he doesn‟t really deserve it. For this causes him to kill a numerous amount of people to try and accomplish this mission

The difference between the two is that one of them is good, knowing his rights from wrong and doesn‟t want to cause trouble, whereas the other character seems to do all things bad, and seeks things that must be earned and not forced.

Genre: Horror

Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation

The Unborn

• Young unborn child who is seeking revenge within the family curse

• Young girl who is a victim of the family curse. She is a good girl throughout the movie as she in unaware of the family curse

They‟re opposite to each other because we see that one of them is evil than the other character who is innocent and good

Genre: Action

Films Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation

Spiderman

• PeterParker/Spiderman, two alter egos meet as one, to create a brave and bold hero

• The Green Goblin is a villianwho seeks to take over the city, so that he can rule under his own powers.

The differences between the two is that one seeks to have powerand greed, than in contrast to the hero who wans to protect and save those he loves.