roland barthes presentation ntu theatre design

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Page 1: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design
Page 2: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS LIFE• Born on the 12th November 1915 in the town of Cherbourg in Born on the 12th November 1915 in the town of Cherbourg in

NormandyNormandy• Son of the naval officer Louis Barthes, who died before Roland Son of the naval officer Louis Barthes, who died before Roland

was one, and Henriette Barthes who did not workwas one, and Henriette Barthes who did not work• His mother, Aunt and Grandmother raised him after his father His mother, Aunt and Grandmother raised him after his father

died, in the French city of Bayonnedied, in the French city of Bayonne• In 1924 when Barthes and his mother moved to Paris, he In 1924 when Barthes and his mother moved to Paris, he

started school at the Lycee Montaignestarted school at the Lycee Montaigne• In the time Barthes spent at the Sorbonne (1935 - 1939) he In the time Barthes spent at the Sorbonne (1935 - 1939) he

earned a license in classical lettersearned a license in classical letters• During Barthes young life he had gone from being fairly During Barthes young life he had gone from being fairly

wealthy to being poor, Henriette had to work as a book binder wealthy to being poor, Henriette had to work as a book binder to feed her children and sometimes had no money at allto feed her children and sometimes had no money at all

• Barthes also suffered from tuberculosis throughout this period Barthes also suffered from tuberculosis throughout this period and due to his ill health he failed to take important and due to his ill health he failed to take important examinations, this therefore affected he academic careerexaminations, this therefore affected he academic career

Page 3: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS LIFE

• Barthes Grandmother had a lot of money but she wanted Barthes Grandmother had a lot of money but she wanted nothing to do with Henriette due to her disapproval of her first nothing to do with Henriette due to her disapproval of her first marriage. This affected Barthes as he felt resentment towards marriage. This affected Barthes as he felt resentment towards Neomie and left an imprint on him for the rest of his lifeNeomie and left an imprint on him for the rest of his life

• In September 1932 Roland entered the lower sixth in Louis-Le-In September 1932 Roland entered the lower sixth in Louis-Le-Grand, he was enthused by poetry and literature Grand, he was enthused by poetry and literature

• On May 10th 1934 Barthes is struck down with haemotysis and On May 10th 1934 Barthes is struck down with haemotysis and due to this he could not take the exam he had been working due to this he could not take the exam he had been working towards, the baccalaureat towards, the baccalaureat

• He was sent to a Sanatorium small village called Pyrenees in He was sent to a Sanatorium small village called Pyrenees in the mountains to help him recoverthe mountains to help him recover

• In September he sat the exams he had longed to complete. He In September he sat the exams he had longed to complete. He passed the exams but was sent back to Pyreneespassed the exams but was sent back to Pyrenees

Page 4: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS LIFE

• After this episode he moved to Bayonne and enrolled in After this episode he moved to Bayonne and enrolled in Sorbonne until 1939Sorbonne until 1939

• Barthes suffered from depression and after his childhood Barthes suffered from depression and after his childhood friend Philippe Rebeyrol was accepted at Ecole Normale, friend Philippe Rebeyrol was accepted at Ecole Normale, Barthes life long dream, he became even worseBarthes life long dream, he became even worse

• In June Barthes passed his fourth part of his degree in Greek, In June Barthes passed his fourth part of his degree in Greek, Latin, French Literature and the history of philosophy. However Latin, French Literature and the history of philosophy. However he still needed to pass exams in grammar and philology to he still needed to pass exams in grammar and philology to become a teacherbecome a teacher

• In September 1939 England declared war with Germany but In September 1939 England declared war with Germany but Barthes was declared unfit for the army. Instead he became a Barthes was declared unfit for the army. Instead he became a literary teacher but was paid the salary of a teacher without a literary teacher but was paid the salary of a teacher without a university degreeuniversity degree

Page 5: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS LIFE

• Roland began to write again but with the end of the war he was Roland began to write again but with the end of the war he was not able to continue his post as a teacher, instead he became a not able to continue his post as a teacher, instead he became a study and recreational supervisor at the Lycee Voltaire and the study and recreational supervisor at the Lycee Voltaire and the Lycee CarnotLycee Carnot

• At the same time he was studying for the final part of his At the same time he was studying for the final part of his degree the philology exam and also working towards a degree the philology exam and also working towards a postgraduate diploma in Greek tragedypostgraduate diploma in Greek tragedy

• Barthes took on a lot of work and was still trying to finish his Barthes took on a lot of work and was still trying to finish his studying 6 years after his baccalaureat instead of the normal 4studying 6 years after his baccalaureat instead of the normal 4

• In 1946 Barthes was asked to write an article for the literary In 1946 Barthes was asked to write an article for the literary section in a Milan newspaper though he debated this for a section in a Milan newspaper though he debated this for a while he ended up writing an article on Camus; a famous while he ended up writing an article on Camus; a famous author and philosopher of the time often associated with author and philosopher of the time often associated with existentialismexistentialism

Page 6: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS LIFE

• At the end of January that year Barthes was told he would be At the end of January that year Barthes was told he would be leaving the sanatorium to return to Paris, he did not in fact leaving the sanatorium to return to Paris, he did not in fact leave until February and by this time he was almost cured of leave until February and by this time he was almost cured of tuberculosistuberculosis

• He moved back to Rue Servandoni with his mother and brotherHe moved back to Rue Servandoni with his mother and brother• By this point in Barthes life it was clear he was becoming By this point in Barthes life it was clear he was becoming

interested in Marxisminterested in Marxism• He spent the summer of that year reuniting with old friends and He spent the summer of that year reuniting with old friends and

spent his time in a post-cure therapy at a sanatorium in spent his time in a post-cure therapy at a sanatorium in Neufmoutiers-en-Brie Neufmoutiers-en-Brie

• After he had left the sanatorium he started his writing career, After he had left the sanatorium he started his writing career, although he had written before this time Barthes believed his although he had written before this time Barthes believed his work was of little value and therefore dismissed a lot of itwork was of little value and therefore dismissed a lot of it

Page 7: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS LIFE• At the end of the year Barthes was offered two jobs one at At the end of the year Barthes was offered two jobs one at

Cambridge and one at Bologna both of which he turned downCambridge and one at Bologna both of which he turned down• Instead Barthes took on a job in Paris which consisted of him Instead Barthes took on a job in Paris which consisted of him

recording everyday conversations to highlight the most recording everyday conversations to highlight the most frequently used French words to make into a dictionary to be frequently used French words to make into a dictionary to be used by foreign students used by foreign students

• In 1953 Barthes was asked to write a regular column for a In 1953 Barthes was asked to write a regular column for a literary magazine on whichever subject he choseliterary magazine on whichever subject he chose

• Barthes decided to finish his job at the Foreign Office and Barthes decided to finish his job at the Foreign Office and began work as a researcher at the CNRS ( Centre National de la began work as a researcher at the CNRS ( Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)Recherche Scientifique)

• In 1959 Barthes contract at CNRS had run out, he was In 1959 Barthes contract at CNRS had run out, he was considering applying for another job here and was having considering applying for another job here and was having money problems however his friend Voisin came to his rescue money problems however his friend Voisin came to his rescue and took him on as a literary adviser and took him on as a literary adviser

Page 8: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS LIFE• At the beginning of 1960 Roland took on another job as chef de At the beginning of 1960 Roland took on another job as chef de

travaux in the department of economics and social sciences at travaux in the department of economics and social sciences at the Ecole the Ecole

• Then two years later in 1962, Barthes got the job of directeur Then two years later in 1962, Barthes got the job of directeur d’etudes in sociology of signs, symbols and representationsd’etudes in sociology of signs, symbols and representations

• At the beginning of 1970 Bathes added to his interests; along At the beginning of 1970 Bathes added to his interests; along with music and writing he started looking at painting or rather with music and writing he started looking at painting or rather ‘graphisms’‘graphisms’

• Towards the end of 1978 Barthes was at the height of his fame, Towards the end of 1978 Barthes was at the height of his fame, he was being asked to give lectures, write articles and give he was being asked to give lectures, write articles and give interviewsinterviews

• On February 25On February 25thth 1980 Barthes was struck down by a Laundry 1980 Barthes was struck down by a Laundry truck walking home after his luncheon with friends and died truck walking home after his luncheon with friends and died from his injuries a month later. from his injuries a month later.

Page 9: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

HIS WORK• Roland Barthes by Roland Roland Barthes by Roland

Barthes Barthes 1977 1977• Writer Sollers Writer Sollers 1979 1979• A Barthes Reader A Barthes Reader 1980 1980• Camera Lucida Camera Lucida 1977 1977• Critical Essays Critical Essays 1964 1964• The Eiffel Tower and other The Eiffel Tower and other

Mythologies Mythologies 1964 1964• Elements of Semiology Elements of Semiology

19641964• Empire of Signs Empire of Signs 1970 1970• The Fashion System The Fashion System 1967 1967• The grain of the Voice The grain of the Voice 1962 1962• Image-Music-Text Image-Music-Text 1977 1977• IncidentsIncidents 1987 1987• Michele by Himself Michele by Himself 1954 1954• A Lovers Discourse A Lovers Discourse 1977 1977

• Michelet Michelet 1954 1954• Mythologies Mythologies 1957 1957• The Neutral The Neutral 1974 1974• New Critical Essays New Critical Essays 1972 1972• On Racine On Racine 1963 1963• The Pleasure of the The Pleasure of the

TextText19731973• The Responsibility of The Responsibility of

FornsForns19821982• The Rustle of LanguageThe Rustle of Language

19841984• Sade/Fourier/Loyola Sade/Fourier/Loyola 1971 1971• The Semiotic Challenge The Semiotic Challenge

19851985• An Essay An Essay 1970 1970• Writing Degree Zero Writing Degree Zero 1953 1953• What is Sport What is Sport 1960 1960• Criticism and Truth Criticism and Truth 1966 1966

Page 10: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

INFLUENCE ON OTHERS

• Louis-Jean Calvet, Trans Sarah Wykes; Roland Louis-Jean Calvet, Trans Sarah Wykes; Roland Barthes: A Biography, Indiana University Press, Barthes: A Biography, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, 1994Bloomington, 1994

• Michael Moriarty, Roland Barthes, Stanford Michael Moriarty, Roland Barthes, Stanford University Press, Stanford California, 1991 University Press, Stanford California, 1991

• Graham, Allen. Roland Barthes. London: Graham, Allen. Roland Barthes. London: Routledge, 2003Routledge, 2003

• Wasserman, George R. Roland Barthes. Boston: Wasserman, George R. Roland Barthes. Boston: Twayne Publishes, 1981Twayne Publishes, 1981

• Jean-Jacques, Thomas. Roland Barthes: A Jean-Jacques, Thomas. Roland Barthes: A Beginner’s Guide, 2004Beginner’s Guide, 2004

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A LOVERS DISCOURSE• Barthe wrote ‘A Lovers Discourse’ in 1977• This work presents the fictionalised reflections of a lover seeking to

identify and be identified by an anonymous amorous other• It was a literary project full of paragraphed descriptions of love

between lovers• Its an overall outlook on the way love in the form of signs can be

completely ambigious to others• Unless the truth is directly spoken then all other forms of

communication falls back para-doxically on the omnipotence of language

• Literary and philosophical thought of a lovers point of view. Barthes calls them ‘figures’- gestures of the lovers at work

• Its an interesting look at how a lover will look at another with the prosumption that one knows how the other feels, yet how can one when the signs in which they look for are so ambigious

Page 12: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

CAMERA LUCIDA

• Latin for ‘lit room’ the camera lucida is a light, portable device that Latin for ‘lit room’ the camera lucida is a light, portable device that does not project an imagedoes not project an image

• A short book published in 1980, it is a enquiry both into the nature and A short book published in 1980, it is a enquiry both into the nature and essence of photography.essence of photography.

• When his mother, Henriette Barthes, died in 1977 he began writing When his mother, Henriette Barthes, died in 1977 he began writing Camera Lucida as an attempt to explain the unique significance a Camera Lucida as an attempt to explain the unique significance a picture of her as a child carries for himpicture of her as a child carries for him

• It is also an investigation into the effects photography has on the It is also an investigation into the effects photography has on the viewerviewer

• Barthes is also interested in the way photographs can be seen as Barthes is also interested in the way photographs can be seen as three practices:To do To undergo To look three practices:To do To undergo To look

• These practises can also be interpreted as: The operator – the These practises can also be interpreted as: The operator – the photographer, The Target – the person or thing being photographed photographer, The Target – the person or thing being photographed and The spectator – ourselves or anyone who looks at the magazines, and The spectator – ourselves or anyone who looks at the magazines, archives, photographsarchives, photographs

Page 13: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

• The book develops the twin concept of Studium : punctum. Studium – The book develops the twin concept of Studium : punctum. Studium – reflecting on the relationship between the obvious symbolic meaning of a reflecting on the relationship between the obvious symbolic meaning of a photograph. Punctum : that which is purely personal and dependant on the photograph. Punctum : that which is purely personal and dependant on the individual, that which pierces the viewerindividual, that which pierces the viewer

• Barthes was troubled by the fact that such distinctions collapse when Barthes was troubled by the fact that such distinctions collapse when personal significance is communicated to others and can have its symbolic personal significance is communicated to others and can have its symbolic logic rationalisedlogic rationalised

• A picture is not so much a solid representation of what is as what was and A picture is not so much a solid representation of what is as what was and therefore what has ceased to be. It does not make reality solid but serves as therefore what has ceased to be. It does not make reality solid but serves as a reminder of the worlds inconstant and ever changing state. Because of a reminder of the worlds inconstant and ever changing state. Because of this there is something uniquely personal contained in the photograph of this there is something uniquely personal contained in the photograph of Barthes’ mother that cannot be removed from his subject: the recurrent Barthes’ mother that cannot be removed from his subject: the recurrent feeling of loss experienced whenever he looks at itfeeling of loss experienced whenever he looks at it

• As one of his final works before his death, Camera Lucida was both an As one of his final works before his death, Camera Lucida was both an ongoing reflection on the complicated relations between subjectivity, ongoing reflection on the complicated relations between subjectivity, meaning and cultural society as well as a touching dedication to his mother meaning and cultural society as well as a touching dedication to his mother and description of the depth of his griefand description of the depth of his grief

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EMPIRE OF SIGNS

• Barthes wrote Empire of Signs after his visit to Japan in Barthes wrote Empire of Signs after his visit to Japan in 19501950

• Barthes based this text on the signs he saw around him Barthes based this text on the signs he saw around him in Japan in Japan

• He was in a country where he could not understand the He was in a country where he could not understand the language so instead he took meanings from the signs language so instead he took meanings from the signs surrounding him. surrounding him.

• He called these signs ‘empty signs’ as although they had He called these signs ‘empty signs’ as although they had a meaning to the natives of the country Barthes found a meaning to the natives of the country Barthes found himself inserting his own implications onto them.himself inserting his own implications onto them.

• According to many resources Japan was Barthes According to many resources Japan was Barthes ‘Semiotic Paradise’ where he could look at many ‘Semiotic Paradise’ where he could look at many different signs that had many significances to various different signs that had many significances to various people.people.

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SADE/FOURIER/LOYOLA• A book of literary theory written in 1971 analysing the texts of A book of literary theory written in 1971 analysing the texts of

Sade, Fourier and LoyolaSade, Fourier and Loyola• Barthes looks at the similarities between these three; the saint Barthes looks at the similarities between these three; the saint

Loyola, Sade who is a renowned and sometimes pornographic Loyola, Sade who is a renowned and sometimes pornographic freethinker, and Fourier, an idealist. freethinker, and Fourier, an idealist.

• Barthes claims that all three are founders of languages; Loyola Barthes claims that all three are founders of languages; Loyola as the founder of divine address, Sade founded language of as the founder of divine address, Sade founded language of erotic freedom and Fourier, language of perfection and erotic freedom and Fourier, language of perfection and happiness happiness

• A quote from the preface of the text,A quote from the preface of the text,““Here they are all three brought together, the evil writer, Here they are all three brought together, the evil writer,

the the great utopian, and the Jesuit saint”great utopian, and the Jesuit saint”• Roland Barthes challenges the structure between sound and Roland Barthes challenges the structure between sound and

image. Before image there was only sound. Stories were spread image. Before image there was only sound. Stories were spread by word of mouth. by word of mouth.

• ‘‘Hearing is believing’ became ‘Seeing is believingHearing is believing’ became ‘Seeing is believing’

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MYTHOLOGIES

• Barthes wrote by monthly instalments to ‘Le Lettres Nouvelles’, a Barthes wrote by monthly instalments to ‘Le Lettres Nouvelles’, a popular series of essays that dismantled myths of popular culture. popular series of essays that dismantled myths of popular culture. These can be found in his Mythologies.These can be found in his Mythologies.

• Barthes made many monthly contributions that made up Barthes made many monthly contributions that made up Mythologies (1957). He would often interrogate pieces of cultural Mythologies (1957). He would often interrogate pieces of cultural material to expose how Bourgeois society used them to assert its material to expose how Bourgeois society used them to assert its values upon others.values upon others.

• Mythologies was full of essays and works of literature which ranged Mythologies was full of essays and works of literature which ranged in content but all followed the same concern for values and attitudes in content but all followed the same concern for values and attitudes associated with what our culture bombards us with:associated with what our culture bombards us with:

• Advertisements, Newspaper and Magazine reports, Photographs, Advertisements, Newspaper and Magazine reports, Photographs, Material objects such as cars/toysMaterial objects such as cars/toys

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MYTHOLOGIES• The first four chapters of Mythologies:The first four chapters of Mythologies:

One: WrestlingOne: WrestlingTwo: Photographs of ActorsTwo: Photographs of ActorsThree: Film of Julius CaesarThree: Film of Julius CaesarFour: Images of Writers on holidayFour: Images of Writers on holiday

• At first sight these topics seem to have little in common, but they are At first sight these topics seem to have little in common, but they are linked not by subject matter but by a common status as messages linked not by subject matter but by a common status as messages circulating within mass culturecirculating within mass culture

• Barthes’ ‘Mythologies’ became absorbed itself into Bourgeois culture Barthes’ ‘Mythologies’ became absorbed itself into Bourgeois culture as he found he was being asked to comment on a certain culture as he found he was being asked to comment on a certain culture phenomenon, people being interested in his control over readership. phenomenon, people being interested in his control over readership. This caused him to question the overall utility of de-mystifying culture This caused him to question the overall utility of de-mystifying culture for the massesfor the masses

• Later on in life Barthes felt Mythologies had suffered from not being as Later on in life Barthes felt Mythologies had suffered from not being as work of truly neutral writing which meant that he himself was work of truly neutral writing which meant that he himself was bombarding culture with assertive meaningsbombarding culture with assertive meanings

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STRUCTURALISM• Interest began in Structuralism in 1958Interest began in Structuralism in 1958• Revealing the importance of language in writingRevealing the importance of language in writing• Language is made up of structuresLanguage is made up of structures• Early Structuralists took inspiration from phonology (sounds). Early Structuralists took inspiration from phonology (sounds).

This then explored syntax (combining words, sentences and This then explored syntax (combining words, sentences and dialogue), semantics (the meaning of words and combinations), dialogue), semantics (the meaning of words and combinations), and pragmatics (the uses and effects of signs).and pragmatics (the uses and effects of signs).

• Term used to describe theories across humanities, social Term used to describe theories across humanities, social sciences and economicssciences and economics

• Structural analysis of narratives – examining the relationship Structural analysis of narratives – examining the relationship between the structure of a sentence within the larger narrative, between the structure of a sentence within the larger narrative, therefore allowing narrative to be viewed along linguistic linestherefore allowing narrative to be viewed along linguistic lines

• Barthes found the basic structures within written texts follow Barthes found the basic structures within written texts follow the same formula, for example in the case of ‘West Side Story’ the same formula, for example in the case of ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’and ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Formula Formula Opposing Forces Opposing Forces Death Death

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SEMIOLOGYSEMIOLOGY

• The study of signs and understanding how meaning is constructed and The study of signs and understanding how meaning is constructed and understoodunderstood

• Barthes used semiology when studying pieces of cultural material to Barthes used semiology when studying pieces of cultural material to expose how Bourgeois society were asserting their values upon others. He expose how Bourgeois society were asserting their values upon others. He found within the French culture that wine was portrayed as a robust and found within the French culture that wine was portrayed as a robust and healthy habit, but the reality is that wine can be destructive and healthy habit, but the reality is that wine can be destructive and intoxicatingintoxicating

• Barthes labelled Bourgeois cultural myths as significations. Barthes labelled Bourgeois cultural myths as significations.

Picture this - a full dark bottle. This picture is a signifier that will in turn Picture this - a full dark bottle. This picture is a signifier that will in turn relate to a signified, in this case a bottle of winerelate to a signified, in this case a bottle of wine

(A relationship between signifier and signified that we would recognise is…(A relationship between signifier and signified that we would recognise is…

white circle with a red rim and the number 50 inside white circle with a red rim and the number 50 inside 50mph 50mph

The picture automatically triggers a reaction)The picture automatically triggers a reaction)

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Signifier – BottleSignifier – Bottle

Signified – WineSignified – Wine

The Bourgeois take this original signified and apply The Bourgeois take this original signified and apply their own emphasis to it, making the signified the their own emphasis to it, making the signified the signifier.signifier.

Signifier – WineSignifier – Wine

Signified – Healthy, robust, relaxing wineSignified – Healthy, robust, relaxing wine• Barthes “cultural myths” exist still in today’s Barthes “cultural myths” exist still in today’s

society, for example in magazines today we see society, for example in magazines today we see pictures of tall and skinny girls. This signifier relates pictures of tall and skinny girls. This signifier relates to a signified, that to be fashionable it is best to be to a signified, that to be fashionable it is best to be skinnyskinny

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POST-STRUCTURALISM• Culture that is inseparable from meaningCulture that is inseparable from meaning• Post-Structuralism emerged in France in the 1960’sPost-Structuralism emerged in France in the 1960’s• The movement was a distinct reaction to, and criticised StructuralismThe movement was a distinct reaction to, and criticised Structuralism• The idea of Post-Structuralism is not widely discussed in Europe, The idea of Post-Structuralism is not widely discussed in Europe,

which is supposedly where most ‘Post-Structuralist’ theory comes which is supposedly where most ‘Post-Structuralist’ theory comes fromfrom

• Contributors were once Structuralists who abandoned it to became Contributors were once Structuralists who abandoned it to became quite critical of it, thus this refers to the ‘post’quite critical of it, thus this refers to the ‘post’

• Post-Structuralists believe in direct contrast, they typically view Post-Structuralists believe in direct contrast, they typically view culture as inseparable from meaning where as Structuralists believe culture as inseparable from meaning where as Structuralists believe culture derived from its own meaningculture derived from its own meaning

• At the time of Post-Structuralism there was political anxiety, and in At the time of Post-Structuralism there was political anxiety, and in France students and workers were rebelling against the state, almost France students and workers were rebelling against the state, almost causing the downfall of the French governmentcausing the downfall of the French government

• During these years there was an increased interest in alternative and During these years there was an increased interest in alternative and more radical philosophies, such as Feminism, Marxism and Nihilism. more radical philosophies, such as Feminism, Marxism and Nihilism. These theories are linked by being critical of dominant Western These theories are linked by being critical of dominant Western philosophy and culturephilosophy and culture

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TEXTUALITY• Barthes believed that since meaning cant come from the author, it Barthes believed that since meaning cant come from the author, it

must be actively created by the reader through a process of textual must be actively created by the reader through a process of textual analysisanalysis

• He famously applied this notion by analysing a short story by Balzac He famously applied this notion by analysing a short story by Balzac called Sarrasinecalled Sarrasine

• From this project Barthes concluded that an ideal text is one that is From this project Barthes concluded that an ideal text is one that is reversible or open to the greatest variety of independent reversible or open to the greatest variety of independent interpretations and not restrictive in meaninginterpretations and not restrictive in meaning

• Writerly and Readerly are key terms used within TextualityWriterly and Readerly are key terms used within Textuality• Writerly: text in which the reader is active in a creative process. Writerly: text in which the reader is active in a creative process.

Aspires to the proper goal of literature and criticism. Writerly text Aspires to the proper goal of literature and criticism. Writerly text makes the reader no longer a consumer but a producer of the textmakes the reader no longer a consumer but a producer of the text

• Readerly: text in which the reader is restricted to just reading. A text Readerly: text in which the reader is restricted to just reading. A text which makes no requirement of the reader to write or produce his or which makes no requirement of the reader to write or produce his or her own meanings. The reader may passively locate “ready-made” her own meanings. The reader may passively locate “ready-made” meaning. Like a cupboard where meanings are shelved, stacked, meaning. Like a cupboard where meanings are shelved, stacked, safeguardedsafeguarded

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NOVELISTIC NEUTRALITY

• Barthes was increasingly concerned with the conflict of two types of Barthes was increasingly concerned with the conflict of two types of language: that of popular culture which he saw as limiting and language: that of popular culture which he saw as limiting and pigeonholing and neutral language which he saw as open and non-pigeonholing and neutral language which he saw as open and non-committal. They were called Doxa and Para-Doxacommittal. They were called Doxa and Para-Doxa

• It is extremely difficult to achieve truly neutral writing as it requires an It is extremely difficult to achieve truly neutral writing as it requires an avoidance of any labels that might carry an implied meaning or avoidance of any labels that might carry an implied meaning or identity towards a given objectidentity towards a given object

• To find the best method for creating neutral writing, Barthes tried to To find the best method for creating neutral writing, Barthes tried to create a novelistic form of rhetoric that would not seek to impose its create a novelistic form of rhetoric that would not seek to impose its meaning on the readermeaning on the reader

• ‘‘A lover’s Discourse’ was a product of thisA lover’s Discourse’ was a product of this

• The idea was to create a novelistic character that the reader can The idea was to create a novelistic character that the reader can sympathise with and is therefore open not just to criticise but also sympathise with and is therefore open not just to criticise but also understandunderstand

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THE AUTHOR AND THE SCRIPTOR

• Terms Barthes uses to describe different ways of Terms Barthes uses to describe different ways of thinking about the creators of textsthinking about the creators of texts

• The Author – Our traditional concept of a lone The Author – Our traditional concept of a lone genius creating a work of literature from his/her genius creating a work of literature from his/her original imagination. Barthes believed such a figure original imagination. Barthes believed such a figure no longer exists. All writing draws on previous texts, no longer exists. All writing draws on previous texts, norms and conventionsnorms and conventions

• The Scriptor – In place of the Author we have the The Scriptor – In place of the Author we have the Scriptor who’s only power is to combine pre-existing Scriptor who’s only power is to combine pre-existing texts in new waystexts in new ways

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SUMMARY OF KEY IDEAS

• Demystifying culture for the massesDemystifying culture for the masses• Search for individualistic meaning in artSearch for individualistic meaning in art• Dissect and expose the misleading mechanisms of Bourgeois Dissect and expose the misleading mechanisms of Bourgeois

CultureCulture• Interrogate pieces of cultural material to expose how bourgeois Interrogate pieces of cultural material to expose how bourgeois

society used them to assert its values upon otherssociety used them to assert its values upon others• Investigating the logical ends of structuralist thoughtInvestigating the logical ends of structuralist thought• Dismantled myths of popular cultureDismantled myths of popular culture• Create a form of writing that would not seek to impose its Create a form of writing that would not seek to impose its

meaning on the readermeaning on the reader• To bring about a general, individualistic way of thinking to the To bring about a general, individualistic way of thinking to the

masses masses

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EXISTENTIALISM

• Existentialism was a movement that happened within 20Existentialism was a movement that happened within 20thth century literature and philosophycentury literature and philosophy

• It claims that individuals are entirely free and ultimately It claims that individuals are entirely free and ultimately responsible for their own lives and what they make of responsible for their own lives and what they make of themselvesthemselves

• Human beings create the meaning and essence of their own Human beings create the meaning and essence of their own lives lives

• ““The refusal to belong to any school of thought” – Walter The refusal to belong to any school of thought” – Walter KaufmanKaufman

• ““I see, therefore I am” – Jean Paul SartreI see, therefore I am” – Jean Paul Sartre• Existentialism impacted Barthes work because it followed Existentialism impacted Barthes work because it followed

some of the same principles that Barthes believed in, that some of the same principles that Barthes believed in, that everybody is individual and have their own streams of thought everybody is individual and have their own streams of thought and that we shouldn’t be bound to others or make other people and that we shouldn’t be bound to others or make other people responsible for ourselvesresponsible for ourselves

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MARXISM

• Communist movement, founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich EngelsCommunist movement, founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

• It explores social classes and how they reflect material situationsIt explores social classes and how they reflect material situations

• Followers of Marxism aim to achieve emancipation (word to Followers of Marxism aim to achieve emancipation (word to describe numerous efforts to achieve political rights and equality) describe numerous efforts to achieve political rights and equality)

and enlightenment (attainment for new wisdom or understanding and enlightenment (attainment for new wisdom or understanding enabling precision of perception)enabling precision of perception)

• Barthes and followers of Marxism share a sympathy for the Barthes and followers of Marxism share a sympathy for the working class, which is why Marxism had an influence on Barthesworking class, which is why Marxism had an influence on Barthes

• Barthes had a shared sympathy with Marxist thought, but later in Barthes had a shared sympathy with Marxist thought, but later in his lifetime he felt that despite their anti-ideological stance, Marxist his lifetime he felt that despite their anti-ideological stance, Marxist theory was just as guilty of using violent language and assertive theory was just as guilty of using violent language and assertive meanings, as was in Bourgeois literature`meanings, as was in Bourgeois literature`

Page 28: Roland Barthes Presentation NTU Theatre Design

ACCOUNT OF BARTHES’ IDEAS

• Barthes influenced a lot of theorists and artists in later Barthes influenced a lot of theorists and artists in later yearsyears

• He founded He founded the Ancient Theatre Group with a fellow the Ancient Theatre Group with a fellow student from Louis-Le-Grand, Jacques Veil. Roland student from Louis-Le-Grand, Jacques Veil. Roland would challenge people in performance because he would challenge people in performance because he wants people to take a neutral stance be it the audience wants people to take a neutral stance be it the audience or performer. Barthes wanted to eliminate ambiguity as or performer. Barthes wanted to eliminate ambiguity as not to impose meaning on others and allow them to not to impose meaning on others and allow them to discover it themselvesdiscover it themselves

• Roland affects Scenography as he tries to make people Roland affects Scenography as he tries to make people look at simple images and take their meaning furtherlook at simple images and take their meaning further

• Within culture Barthes felt the societies hierarchy forced Within culture Barthes felt the societies hierarchy forced certain ideas onto the community which stopped them certain ideas onto the community which stopped them being ‘freethinkers’being ‘freethinkers’