Semiotics Knowledge Organiser

Question 1

Sign

Answer 1

A form of communication which we recognise

Question 2

Signifier

Answer 2

A gesture, image, sound, pattern or event that conveys meaning

Question 3

Signified

Answer 3

The meaning the gesture, image, sound or pattern conveys

Question 4

Connotation

Answer 4

The feelings and ideas associated with the word or object - not the literal meaning

Question 5

Denotation

Answer 5

The literal meaning of a word or object

Question 6

White

Answer 6

Light, purity, chastity, innocence, truth, modesty, peace, femininity

Question 7

Black

Answer 7

Gloom, darkness, woe, night, death, dread, terror, mourning

Question 8

Grey

Answer 8

Humility, melancholy, resolution, sadness

Question 9

Red

Answer 9

Blood, heat, fire, anger, hatred, cruelty, tragedy, shame, destruction, power, passion

Question 10

Orange

Answer 10

Warmth, laughter, contentment

Question 11

Yellow

Answer 11

Liveliness, gaiety, cowardice, decay, deceit, sickness

Question 12

Brown

Answer 12

Plenty, warmth, contentment, happiness

Question 13

Green

Answer 13

Youth, vigour, immaturity, contemplation, immortality, peace, solitude, jealousy

Question 14

Blue

Answer 14

Cold, melancholy, serenity, truth

Question 15

Violet

Answer 15

Sadness, quietness, purity, love, wealth

Question 16

Purple

Answer 16

Royalty, heroic virtue

Question 17

Sounds

Answer 17

Spooky music causes tension, birdsong suggests it is morning, silence creates dramatic tension, whispering can represent secrecy

Question 18

Lighting

Answer 18

Spotlight can suggest isolation, bright light can suggest normality, darkness creates fear, torchlight causes suspense

Question 19

Key

Answer 19

Freedom / escape / locked away/ secret

Question 20

White Coat

Answer 20

Medicine / science / authority

Question 21

Candle

Answer 21

Light in the darkness of life / truth / human life

Question 22

Rose

Answer 22

Love / passion / romance / pain (thorns) / beautiful but dangerous