Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory

What is narrative ?

-Story
-Plot
-Narrative is the way the story is organised

Elements of narrative:

-Time
-Closure
-Enigma (Problems created)

Classical Hollywood Narrative:

-Linear
-Few, if any, sub plots
-Tendency towards closure

Theories of narrative

1. Todorov

-Equilibrium (happy start)
-Disruption (Enigma - problem; who/what/why?)
-Resolution (End of film; closure - problems and questions are sloved)
-New equilibrium (Happy ending)

2. Propp

Analysed folk stories

8 key character roles :
>THE HERO (protagonist)
>THE VILLAIN (antagonist)
>THE DONOR (provider; gives magic item to hero)
>THE HELPER (side kick; helps the hero)
>THE FATHER (gives advice)
>THE DISPATCHER (sends hero on mission)
>THE PRINCESS
>THE FALSE HERO (villan; we think is hero but is villan)

Levi Strauss & Binary Oppositions

-Levi Strauss argued that a structure of narratives was a dependence on a binary oppositions.
-A conflict between two qualities of terms.
-The binary oppositions can form the basis of narratives
eg: YOUNG -- OLD , MALE -- FELMALE.
-Eg. Gender; narratives can be organised through binary oppositions of gender stereotypes

Gender Stereotypes : MASCULINE

-professional
-strong
-rational
-competitive
-independant
-aggressive
-rithless
-ambitions

Gender Stereotypes : FEMINE

-domesticated weak
-emotional
-co-operative
-communal
-passive
-sensitive
-supportive

Eg. The Western

-Homesteaders - Narrative Americans
-Christian - Pagan
-Domestic - Savage
-Weak - Strong
-Feminie - Masculine
-Garden - Wilderness
-Inside society - Outside society