Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Narrative Codes

Roland Barthes describes five codes when discussing narrative. 

Hermeneutic Code

An element of an narrative which is delivered as a mystery or isn't fully explained. This keeps the audience guessing.

Proairectic Code

Builds tension. Referring to action or event which suggests something else is to happen. Audience ask what is to happen next.

The Hermeneutic and Proairectic code work together to build tension. Barthe has described them... "...dependent on ... two sequential codes: the revelation of truth and the coordination of the actions represented: there is the same constraint in the gradual order of melody and in the equally gradual order of the narrative sequence."

Semantic Code

Connotations within the story which add additional meaning to the basic meaning meant.

Symbolic Code

Similar to semantic code at wider level. Organizing semantic meanings into broader sets of meaning. New meanings arise. Symbolizes abstract concepts.

Cultural Code

Read with understanding due to cultural awareness. 

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