Equilibrium: Tzvetan Todorov (Media Language)

Question 1

Equilibrium - Definition

Answer 1

A state of balance or stability.

Equilibrium is disrupted and ultimately restored.

Question 2

What did Todorov suggest?

Answer 2

Narratives are linear that follow key points of progression in a chronological order.
Narratives involve characters solving a problem ending in a resolution.

Question 3

Stage 1

Answer 3

The initial state of equilibrium at the beginning of a narrative.
The narrative is set up through introducing the characters and setting to the audience.

Question 4

Stage 2

Answer 4

The disruption or breakdown of equilibrium through an event - disequilibrium.

Question 5

Stage 3

Answer 5

Recognition that the equilibrium has been disrupted.

Question 6

Stage 4

Answer 6

Attempts to restore the equilibrium.

The narrative develops through attempts to restore and repair the equilibrium.

Question 7

Stage 5

Answer 7

Successful restoration of equilibrium at the end of the narrative.
However, this is not the same equilibrium as at the start.

Question 8

Theory in a nutshell

Answer 8

Narratives follow a pattern of Equilibrium>Disruption>New Equilibrium