Textual Analysis: Narrative Theories

By Rocharna McNaughton

Todorov’s TheoryAbout: Tzventan Todorrov was born in Bulgaria in 1939 (is now age 75) however now lives in France with his wife, Nancy Huston and two children.

Todorov’s theory analysed the basic structure of narratives. The idea that all narratives FIVE parts:

1) Equilibrium – This is also known as the status quo were there is a world unaffected by problems or dilemmas

2) Disruption – A problem/event that causes the equilibrium to be unbalanced (disequilibrium)

3) Recognition of disruption- Characters are aware of the disequilibrium that has occurred within the narrative

4) Attempt to repair- Characters go through a series of events to try and regain equilibrium

5) Resolution/ Return to equilibrium - Characters have found a solution to the problem

Todorov…

These narratives usual contain representation of hegemonic ideology (The dominant or ruling set of ideas in a society) for example, the resolution of a narrative would be the girl getting the guy she has had a crush on from the start of the story.

Propp

About: Vladimir Propp was born in 1895 in Russia and died aged 75. His is most known for his narrative theory and Morphology of the folktale that was published in Russia.

Props theory suggested that all characters within a narrative could be matched to SEVEN fairytale roles:

1) The villain- against the hero

2) The Dispatcher- person who sends the hero off

3) The helper- helps hero on quest

4) The princess & father – acts as the hero's prize

5) The donor – gives hero necessary tools/ object

6) The Hero – protagonist defeats the Villain and weds the princess.

7) The false Hero – takes credit for hero's actions/ tries to marry the princess.

Propp

Levi-StraussAbout: Claude Levi-Strauss was born on 28th November 1908 in Belgium and died age 100 in France. His work was seen to be the key of the theory of structuralism

Levi-Strauss developed the idea of binary opposition, the idea of opposites working against each other which is what the plot of the narrative is based upon. For example, Human vs Supernatural.