Mythologies

Question 1

Author?

Answer 1

Roland Barthes, a scholar, literary theorist and critic who worked in education

Question 2

What is a myth?

Answer 2

Anything can become a myth, often something of cultural significance

Question 3

What is the task of a mythologist?

Answer 3

To decipher everyday life and reveal it’s hidden implications

Question 4

What was Barthes’ political leaning?

Answer 4

Leftist who criticised Bourgeoisie

Question 5

La Grande Famille des Hommes

Answer 5

Critical article on an exhibition called ‘The Family of Man’. Barthes added the word ‘grande’ into the translation which changes the narrative from the biological family of man to the societal one. The exhibition suggests we are all the same because of our biological similarities but Barthes shows that we are not because socio-economic factors determine our life, uses murder of Emmett Till to exemplify this. Barthes also criticised that birth and death were not historically represented.

Question 6

Le vin et le lait

Answer 6

cultural comparison between France (le vin) and UK/USA (le lait), wine is extremely culturally significant in France, the mythology of wine contradicts itself as it can help warm up on a cold day and cool down on a hot one

Question 7

Bichon chez les negres

Answer 7

Two teachers took their baby son to a cannibalistic country to paint. They were criticised by some (Barthes) and deemed as courageous by others. An article published in Paris Match which heavily praised the couple was also heavily criticised by Barthes for it’s racist tones throughout.

Question 8

Quelques paroles de M. Poujade

Answer 8

He was a politician from the extreme right, the language of his speeches reflect his need for a capitalist society and his values which are in line with those of Vichy France