NARRATIVE STRUCTURE

Narrative in its simplest form, relates to how a story is told or in this case a documentary. It specifically refers to

the genre, the characters, the form and the time. All of these elements combined make up a show/film.

CLAUDE LEVI-STRAUSS

The basis of Strauss’ theory, is that everything within a show or film can be reduced down to binary

opposites. This means that for a certain element the opposite will always be present in some form. For

example:

Good Vs Evil

Weak Vs Strong

East Vs West

ROLAND BARTHES

Barthes stated that within each text there will be one or more codes that show and describe the meaning

of the text. The codes which he states are as follows:

Semantic code

Hermeneutic code

Proairetic code

Symbolic Code

SEMANTIC CODE

The semantic code refers to parts within the text that suggest or refer to

additional meanings.

This code refers to the connotations that a certain object or element within

the text might have

It should be an intended correlation created by the text, and have meaning

for which it exists in.

HERMENEUTIC CODE

This code refers to elements in the story which have not been explained

throughout it.

A certain riddle or enigma which intrigue the audience and make them wish

they could know more.

It is suggested that if there is an enigma which hasn’t been answered, the

story itself must be fantastic if the viewers are not angered by such an enigma.

PROAIRETIC CODE

This code states that the narrative suggests that there is further narrative.

The structure of the film should flow and suggest more up until the point

where the show/film has finished.

SYMBOLIC CODE

This code refers to any symbolism within the text.

It usually utilizes opposites behind an object so that it can create a greater

meaning.

the symbolic antithesis creates tension, drama and good character

development within the show