How audience theories can be applied to soaps:
Vladimir Propp-
Vladimir Propp’s is a Russian man who studied Russian folk tales. His theory revolves around character functions (hero / adversary). As character functions can change rapidly in soaps it can be applied. For example, Phil Mitchel from Eastenders can be seen as both good and bad as he will either be in trouble or helping somebody. Vladimir Propps theory can be seen regularly in soaps as having a hero and villain can add to the drama.
Barthes (The Enigma Code)-
Barthes’ theory revolves around signs and our understanding of them (semiotics). Both side of this theory can be applied and seen within soaps as the Enigma Code is seen when something is happening with the used of prop e.g. gun, or some kind of weapon. An example would be seen in an Emmerdale extract where a rough looking, quite trampy man (villain) is seen with a dog and we are forced to assume the worst in that somebody is going to be attacked. The Enigma Code would be the one which is most commonly applied to soaps as it is the one which causes the confusion as to who done something. A recent example of this would be in Eastenders with Kat Slater having an affair. It is seen as a puzzle for the audience to work out for themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment