Media Language Theorists

Question 1

Barthes - Semiotics

Answer 1

Media constructs meaning through different codes:

• Symbolic codes: imagery is used to represent meaning
• Semantic codes: audience understands the hidden meaning
• Cultural codes: Elements of a media text which have cultural reference therefore appealing to certain cultures
• Enigma codes: imagery is used to create mystery and entice readers
• Action codes: Elements which show that something is about to happen

Question 2

Todorov - Narratology

Answer 2

All stories follow the same narrative pattern: Equilibrium > disruption > disequilibrium > heroic act > new equilibrium

Narrative construct ideals through the equilibrium; with the disequilibrium being negative ideas (usually shown through villainous acts)

Question 3

Neale - Genre Theory

Answer 3

Genres are constructed through repetition and difference: repetition of the basic structure, difference in characters setting (makes producers money)

Question 4

Strauss - Structuralism

Answer 4

Media narratives use binary opposition which create ideological significance:
man vs nature
man vs tech
good vs bad

Question 5

Baudrillard - Postmodernism

Answer 5

Suggests that we live in a ‘postmodern society’ whereby there has been a large increase in media - seen in references, theme parks, advertisements