Theorists

Barthes Theory

• Barthes suggested that there will be one or more of the 5 codes that describe the meaning of a text.
• Barthes said that texts may be 'open' or 'closed'.
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The 5 Codes

• Hermeneutic / Enigma Code
• Proairetic / Action Code
• Semantic Code
• Symbolic Code
• Referential Code

Hermeneutic / Enigma code

• This code refers to mystery within a text.
• Clues are dropped, but no clear answers are given.
• Enigmas within the narrative make the audience want to know more.
• Unanswered enigmas tend to frustrate the audience.

Proairetic / Action code

• This code contains sequential elements of action in the text.
• Proairetic elements add suspense to the text.

Semantic Code

• This code refers to parts within the text that suggest or refers to additional meanings.
• Elements of the semantic code are called Semes.
• The seme has a connotative function in the text.
• It has an extra layer of meaning in addition to its literal meaning.

Symbolic code

• This code is about symbolism within the text
• It exercises opposites to show contrast and create greater meaning, creating tension, drama and character development.

Referential Code

• This code refers to anything in the text which refers to an external body of knowledge such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge.

Propp Theory

• Vladimir Propp developed a character theory for studying media texts and productions, which indicates that there were 7 broad character types in the 100 tales he analysed, which could be applied to other media: The villain (struggles against the hero) The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
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Strauss Theory

• Strauss argued that all narratives could be reduced down to binary opposites. For example:
• weak vs strong
• good vs evil
• Americans vs Native Americans
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