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Media language (the theoretical framework)
Quick questions on Narrative theory (Todorov, Propp, Levi-Strauss) - OCR A-Level Media Studies media language
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is propp?Show answer
Propp argues that across many stories the same character functions recur, roles defined not by personality but by what they do for the plot:
What is levi-Strauss?Show answer
Levi-Strauss argues that meaning is generated through binary oppositions: conflicting pairs that structure the narrative, such as good versus evil, civilisation versus savagery, us versus them or order versus chaos. Crucially, the oppositions are rarely balanced: one side is usually privileged and the other devalued. This is how narrative carries ideology, by making certain values appear right or natural and others wrong or threatening.
What is q1?Show answer
Explain Todorov's theory of narrative equilibrium. [5 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Analyse how binary oppositions create meaning in one set product you have studied. [10 marks]
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