Barthes 5 narrative codes Barthes suggested that there

Barthes 5 narrative codes

• Barthes suggested that there will be one or more of the 5 codes that descibe the meaning of a text. • Barthes said that texts may be ‘open’ (unravelled in a lot of different ways) or ‘closed’ (there is only one obvious thread to pull on).

The 5 codes • Hermeneutic / Enigma code • Proairetic/Action code • Semantic code • Symbolic code • Referential code

Hermeneutic/Enigma code • This code refers to mystery within a text. Clues are dropped, but no clear answers are given. • Enigmas within the narrative make the audience want to know more. • Unanswered enigmas tend to frustrate the audience.

Proairetic/Action code • This code contains sequential elements of action in the text. • Proairetic elements add suspense to the text.

Semantic code • This code refers to parts within the text that suggests or referes to additional meanings. • Elements of the semantic code are called Semes. • The seme has a connotative function in the text. It has an extra layer of meaning in addition to its literal meaning

Symbolic code • This code is about symbolism within the text. • It exercises opposites to show contrast and create greater meaning, creating tension, drama and character development.

Referential code • This code refers to anything in the text which refers to an external body of knowlegde such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge.