Assignment 8

Assignment 8: Narrative theory

Russvictoria Monocillo

PART A: TODOROVNARRATIVE THEORY

Todorov’s narrative theory

5 stages of narrative

1. Equilibrium (normality) 2.Disequilibrium

(conflict/disruption of equilibrium by action or event.

3.Recognition of disequilibrium (disruption/conflict)

4.Attempt to repair disequilibrium.

5. New equilibrium (new normality)

Like the classic structure of:•Beginning•Middle•End

Film I chose for Todorov’s narrative theory

EQUILIBRIUMHanna hunts a deer/stag• to survive (food and cloth)•An everyday routine.

Hanna and her dad sit by the fire•Her dad reads her an encyclopaedia • family bonding (father and daughter)

DISEQULIBRIUMHanna presses the locator•She is ready to do her task•Revealing their hideout•She is separated with her dad•Her first task is complete

Marissa sent an imposter in her place:•She is one of the higher ranked people.•She is weary of Hanna

Hanna kills the imposter•Hanna knew it wasn't the real Marissa•She kills the guards to escape

Recognition of DISEQUILIBRIUM (disruption/conflict)

Marissa kills Hanna's mother:•Marissa was an agent.•She was sent off to assassinate Hanna's parents.

Marissa holds hostage the tourist family•Marissa questions the family but pretends to be the good guy•The boy doesn't want Hanna to be hurt so he tells her where Hanna is going.

Attempt to repair disequilibrium

Erik and Hanna finally reunites•Erik tells Hanna the truth•Hanna fights off Erik not wanting to hear more•She runs away from Erik

Hanna meets a retired clown•The clown knew both of Hanna's parents•Her mum worked in the amusement park•The clown gives Hanna a present which was a passport in case she is on the run again

NEW EQUILIBRIUM (new normality)Hanna is on the hunt•The deer takes us back to the beginning where Hanna hunts a deer.•Hanna hunts down Marissa

Hanna kills Marissa to put an end to everything that they have been through

PART B: LEVI-STRAUSS NARRATIVE THEORY

STRAUSS NARRATIVE THEORY

Binary Opposite:

Light/Dark Good/bad Male/female Night/ day

Opposites are fundamental to out ability to make meanings in our lives. Understand good if t is against evil.

Problem?•A side has to win•opposites lead to a status of whoever is ranked highest.•the audience simply agrees to the winning side•If this happens it can create a dangerous ‘norm’

Strauss

Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation

The Blind Side

Better living condition

Ghetto environment

Michael Oher was evicted from his home, now he lives with Touhey family in a safe environment

Dead Silence

Dead ventriloquist. Mary Shaw

Mary Shaw’s victim

Mary Shaw kills her victims in their dreams if they shout in fear and the victims can’t run away or protect themselves

Wanted Catchy, Gibson's girlfriend

Fox, Gibson's mentor Cathy is a cheating girlfriend who is uneducated comparing to Fox who is smart and is independent on defending herself