Todorov theory

9
+ Todorov’s Narrative Theory Using examples from the Godfather

Transcript of Todorov theory

Page 1: Todorov theory

+

Todorov’s Narrative TheoryUsing examples from the Godfather

Page 2: Todorov theory

+Tzvetan Todorov

He is a Bulgarian- French historian, philosopher, structuralist literary critic, sociologist and essayist.

He was awarded an achievement for his work in Narrative Studies

He also talks about the complexity of his theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium

Page 3: Todorov theory

+The Narrative Theory

Todorov believed that all films followed 5 narrative patterns which included

Equilibrium Disequilibrium Acknowledgement Solving New Equilibrium, but is different from the first

Page 4: Todorov theory

+A state of equilibrium

Equilibrium is a state in which opposing influences are balance or there is a calm state.

For example in the Godfather, Michael Corleone attends a wedding introducing his girlfriend to the family and seems content with his position in the mob.

Page 5: Todorov theory

+A disruption of that order by an event This includes a disturbance which

interrupts the equilibrium in the film.

In the Godfather, the disruption is when Vito Corleone, the Don gets shot and ends up in hospital. This leads to other events happening, i.e. Michael leaving to go to Sicily, Sonny taking charge of the family, Luca getting killed.

As seen, the disruption creates negative events that the Main Character would have to solve.

Page 6: Todorov theory

+A recognition that the disorder has occurred Realization which is when the main character becomes

aware of an event or accepts the situation as fact. In the Godfather this happens when Michael protect his

father by taking control and switching his hospital rooms. He also gets punched while defending his family by the NYPD Captain. He recognizes that the family is vulnerable and accepts the plan to kill drug baron The Turk and his bodyguard the captain.

Page 7: Todorov theory

+An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption This stage is when the main

character attempts to bring back the equilibrium or return to normality.

Michael in the Godfather returns from Sicily after the death of his brother to take an active role in the family. He attempts to restore the disruption by reassigning and relocating the family business to Las Vegas.

Page 8: Todorov theory

+A return or restoration of the new equilibrium This stage occurs when the

new equilibrium is established, which is the film has solved the problem, however the new equilibrium is not identical to the original equilibrium.

The new equilibrium in the Godfather is when Clemenza kisses Michael hand signifying that Michael is the new Dom, although we see a change in Michael as he is shown lying to his wife about the family business

Page 9: Todorov theory

+In Conclusion,

This narrative is seen as a circular structure due to the main character wanted to return back to the equilibrium.

The narrative involves a transformation as the disequilibrium brings about a change in character and situations progress the character development. Which is why the new equilibrium is different from the original as the main character often loses a characteristic or matures from surviving the events.

The disruption process is different from the lifestyle of the characters, often harsh or the main character having a loss in the lifestyle which allows them to want to get back to the equilibrium.