Narratives question Flashcards
Describe the narrative(s) of media content you have studied (8)
According to Propp’s Theory, Valery Legasov is the hero. This brave heroism is seen early on when he refuses to keep quiet about the scale of the radiation at the committee meeting chaired by President Gorbachev. He knows the Communist state are not interested in scientific truth and that speaking up is dangerous, but his conscience will not allow him to remain quiet as thousands die.
According to Propp’s Theory, Dyatlov the Deputy Chief Engineer, is the villain. His villainy is apparent early on when he aggressively orders his colleagues in the control room to conduct the test which they know will end in disaster, before refusing to accept any responsibility. Dyatlov has no sense of guilt for giving the order for the tests which result in thousands of deaths and is prepared to see innocent men take the blame.
Boris Shcherbina is the donor, according to Propp’s Theory. His helpfulness to Legasov is seen not least when the inquiry is held in Pripyat in the final episode and Shcherbina speaks up to ensure that Legasov is given the chance to present all his evidence. He gradually comes to see the importance of accepting the truth at the expense of Communist politics and tries to provide Legasov with everything he needs at Chernobyl. By the end this means he is prepared to expose those responsible for what has happened.
The Levi-Strauss Theory of Binary Opposites applies to ‘Chernobyl’, with Scientific truth v. Communist desire to hide the truth. Legasov speaks up about the devastating radiation at committee meetings with President Gorbachev. Legasov’s need to expose the facts of what has caused the disaster is at odds with the Communist Party’s need to use him to ensure there is a cover-up.
Explain in detail the reasons why the narrative has been made this way
- To highlight to the audience that scientific fact was less important than the image of the Soviet state
- To show the politicians and scientists were courageous in speaking up to reveal the truth
