Semiotics // Referential

Hermeneutic / enigma code:
An enigma code is a mystery within a text that is not immediately answered. Examples could include "The man lies slumped with an ornate silver knife in his back. Who did it? Why did they do it?And why did they use such a weapon?" As an audience, we assume that this mystery is going to be solved at some point. If it isn't the audience will potentially be frustrated. On the flip side, if the mystery is revealed too quickly (or if the audience is able to work it out too quickly), then they could be le own // anticlimactic.

Proairetic / action code:
Parts of a narrative which are related to things happening. For example "Gus glared at Gary, and started to crack his knuckles threateningly". At this point, the audience would probably guess that Gary is going to get punched. This code, along with enigma codes and create considerable suspense.

Symbolic code:
A part of a text that 'stands in' for, or means something else. For example, the pink pyjamas in the Zoella video, the pastel coloured mise-en-scene, could be symbolic of innocence, youth, or purity.

Referential code:
Where a part of a text refers to something outside of the text. This assumes that the audience has knowledge of whatever it is that the text is referring to. This can be closely related to intertextuality, and it often can be the basis for humour. For example, The Big Bang Theory makes frequent reference to other texts, including Star Trek, Star Wars, and other aspects of 'nerd culture'.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Adbusters Representations

Judith Butler / Bell Hooks / Van Zoonen

Representation Of Zoella