Strauss Binary Opposites Theory

Notes:

Levi-Strauss' Binary Opposites Theory 

- Clause Levi-Strauss argued that all narratives comprise binary opposites; two opposing forces, whose struggle sits at the core of the narrative. 

Ex: Star Wars, Avengers, and Gravity

Avengers:

• Good vs Evil 

  - The Avengers get together in greater numbers than ever before to preserve the cosmos from Thanos and his henchmen.

• Man vs Alien 

  - The Avengers are a group of humans with superhuman talents who fight aliens from several planets.

• Division vs Unity 

• Ability vs Normality 

How do you apply this?

Look for opposing forces in your chosen Media Text. Find evidence within the text that supports your argument of this opposition. E.G. Use of Semiotics, camera, editing; whatever tolls the Media Text creator has used to make this opposition obvious.

• Posters: color on clothing, facial expressions 
• Moving images: semiotics, camera editing 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmdYATBHKzs

Harry Potter Example:

Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a film series based on J. K. Rowling's namesake novels. Warner Bros. distributes the series, which comprises of eight fantasy films.

Opposites: 

Good vs Evil

• Gryffindors vs Slytherin (Both houses are know for being good and evil, they fight in every way possible to be the best of the best)

Man vs Ailen

• Harry Potter vs Voldemort (Voldemort is an alien like demon that fights with Harry, as he is the one that defeted him as a baby)

Sacrifice vs Love

• Hermione and Ron sacrifice their lives to help Harry defeat Voldemort
• Dumbledores love for Harry