Semiotics Preliminary Exercise 1

 Roland Barthes Theory of Semiotics

A concept introduced in class was the Roland Bathes Theory of Semiotics. Roland Bathes is a French theorist that analyzed the use of denotative and connotative signs with an additional component that included the creation of social myth. We learned that films communicate with their audience denotatively and connotatively. Where the elements that define connotative meaning is the sounds and images used to evoke certain feelings from the viewers and denotive meaning is defined as what the audience sees and hears. Furthermore, films use denotative and connotative signs to engage their audience visually and emotionally. Denotative signs being the literal, primary or original meaning, while connotative signs are the multiple meanings behind an idea in a film. Lastly, Bathes introduced the concept of myth, which are shared cultural connotations that reflect the dominant ideology.  Myths are seen as a significant idea that helps to establish ideologs within a society, even if they are true or false. 

Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie Clip - Mockingjay Appears scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM1ABOZQ8Po

To get an idea of how Roland Barthes Theory of Semiotics, regarding denotative and connotative signs in films is used, we watched a scene from Hunger Games Mockingjay. The Hunger Games is a trilogy that takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic nation in North America. The country consists of a wealthy Capital City that rules over twelve lower class districts, and every year two random people are picked from each district to participate in a death match known as Hunger Games. The games are broadcasted across all regions, mainly for the entertainment of the capitol, and rewards the winning survivor and their district with food, supplies, and riches. Katniss Everdeen is the main protagonist and in the scene shown by my instructor, it shows various denotative and connotative signs. The scene was a interview of Katniss and a fellow protagonist, Peeta, talking about their marriage, upcoming baby, and Katniss' dress. The denotative signs being the baby, and Katniss bridal and mockingjay dress. The connotative signs regrading these examples are shown below. For instance, the bridal dress in the scene connotated a new beginning, unification, family, and love.