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Media Language

Narrative structure and Todorov

  • 3 things to know
  • Components 1 and 2

Overview

Equilibrium in Todorov's model and todorov's third proposition.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Define the states a narrative moves between in Todorov's model, and say what he claimed about the way it resolves.

Key term

Which theorist described narrative as a movement between states of equilibrium?

Key term

Define equilibrium in Todorov's model.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Which theorist described narrative as a movement between states of equilibrium?

    Model answer

    Tzvetan Todorov described that movement. Todorov argued that all narratives travel from one state of equilibrium to another.

  2. 2

    Define equilibrium in Todorov's model.

    Model answer

    Equilibrium is a state of order and stability at the start of a narrative. The world of the story appears settled.

  3. 3

    What is disequilibrium?

    Model answer

    Disequilibrium is the period of imbalance created when the opening order is disrupted. Todorov placed it between the two states of equilibrium.

  4. 4

    State Todorov's third proposition.

    Model answer

    Todorov argued that the way narratives are resolved can carry particular ideological significance. Resolution tells the audience which order is worth restoring.

  5. 5

    Name the five stages Todorov's model is usually summarised as.

    Model answer

    The stages are equilibrium, disruption, recognition, an attempt to repair the damage and a new equilibrium. The final state resembles the first but is not identical.

  6. 6

    Why is the new equilibrium not the same as the original one?

    Model answer

    Characters and their world have been changed by the disruption. Narrative closure restores order on new terms.

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