Narrative Theory

Vladimir Propp: Propp is a Russian Critic and literary Theorist, he has analysed over 100 Russian fairy tales in the 1920's. Vladimir proposed that it was possible to classify the characters and their actions into clearly defined roles and functions. An example that fits Propp's model perfectly is Star Wars. However more recent films such as Pulp Fiction do not fit the model. The model is useful as it highlights the similarities between different stories.

Propp's Character Roles:

The hero (seeks something

The Villain (opposes the hero)

The donor (helps the hero by providing a magical object)

The dispatcher (sends the hero on his way)

The false hero (falsely assuming the role of hero)

The helper (gives support to the hero)

The princess (the reward for the hero, but also needs protection from the villain)

Her Father

Tzvetan Todorov: Todorov is a Bulgarian Literary Theorist, he suggests that most narratives start with a state of equilibrium in which life is normal and the protagonists are happy. This state of normality is then disrupted by an outside force, which has to then be fought against in order to return to the state of equilibrium. This model that Todorov has theorized can be applied to a wide range of movies.

Equilibrium -> Disequilibrium -> New Equilibrium

Claude Levi-Strauss: Levi-Strauss is a Social Anthropologist, he studied the myths of tribal creatures. Levi-Strauss also examined how stories unconsciously reflect the values, beliefs, and myths of a culture. These are usually expressed in the form of binary oppositions. His research has been adapted by media theorists to reveal underlying themes and symbolic oppositions in media text.

Binary Oppositions: A conflict between two qualities or terms.

Hunger Games in terms of Narrative Theory:

Beginning: The beginning is like the calm before the storm, it usually shows what life is like before everything is turned upside down. In The Hunger Games, this is what life is like before the storm begins. This is the beginning of the movie.

Complication: The complication is effectively the storm, however it only lays the path to the action. In this screenshot, the complication is shown clearly as Primrose Everdeen is reaped for The Games.

Climax: The climax is where the majority of the action takes place, here in this screenshot Katniss Everdeen - who volunteered in her sisters place for The Hunger Games is caught in a fire in the arena. This is one of many examples of actions that lead to the resolution of the movie.

Resolution: A resolution doesn't always turn out to be positive, it can be negative too. This screen shot here shows Katniss and Peeta preparing themselves to take their own lives and effectively humiliating the Capitol. However, right before they take the night-lock berries they are both declared the winners which concludes the movie leaving a mixed resolution.

 

*By Chloe Howse*