In this blogpost, I am going to research and explain who is Torodov and what was his theory. I will also present an example of a media product using Torodov's Theory.
What is Todorov's Narrative Theory?
Tzvetan Torodov was a Franco-Bulgarian structural linguistic philosopher who came up with a theory which helps set a definition or structure on stories and narratives.
Torodov in 1969 produced a theory which he believed to be able to be applied to any film. He believed that all films followed the same narrative patter. They all went through stages called the equilibrium, disequilibrium, acknowledgement, solving, and again equilibrium.
There are five stages the narrative can progress through:
- A state of equilibrium (All is as it should be.)
- A disruption of that order by an event.
- A recognition that the disorder has occured
- An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption
- A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium.
An example of the theory in practise is the film of "Shrek".
At the start of the film, Shrek is happy and content in his swamp, carrying out his daily duties of scaring the local village and attacking mobs. This shows at the start of the film, Shrek living his normal life in his average habitat. (A state of equilibrium)
A disruption then occurs when lots of fairytale creatures invaded Shreks swamp, so to regain control and ownage of his land, he must go on a quest for Lord Farquaad (the villian) to find the charming princess, "Princess Fiona".
A recongition that the disorder has occured is when Shrek realizes he is in love with Princess Fiona, but she is to be married in the morning to Lord Farquaad. Shrek tries to ignore his feelings to get back his swamp, but he has fallen for her more than he thinks.
In attempt to repair the damage of the disruption, Shrek and his sidekick Donkey go out to rescue and declare his love for her before she is wed. He crashes the wedding, by invading and fighting with the guards and knights, while the whole city is watching. Fiona reveals her secret that she too is a ogre, and they fight for their love and succeed.
The film ends with a restoration of a new equilibrium, where Shrek and Fiona are happily married, within their swamp, and Shrek makes friends with Donkey and the fairytale creatures.
The film continues on with 3 prequels, which all continue on with the end result/equilibrium.
Bibliography
http://www.slideshare.net/Die-fast-live-pretty/todorovs-narrative-theory (18/10/2012)
http://www.mediaknowall.com/gcse/keyconceptsgcse/keycon.php?pageID=narrative (18/10/2012)
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