#13 Roland Barthes' Narrative Code Theory – Research

    Roland Barthes' semiotics theory--or semiology--is a reinterpretation of Ferdinand de Saussure's structuralist theory, which investigates the social production of meaning from sign systems. Barthes was primarily interested in how nonverbal, cultural signs--such as images, clothing, and popular media--work to communicate ideas and how they reinforce dominant social ideologies by making them appear natural.

Barthes' theory outlines a two-order system of signification:

1. Denotation: The literal meaning.
• Signifier: The physical form of the sign such as a word, photo, or sound (it is the element that conveys the meaning).
• Signified: The concept represented by the signifier.
• Sign: Inseparable combination of the signifier and the signified, representing the literal or obvious meaning.
2. Connotation: Any additional meanings that elements can carry beyond its literal meaning.
• This new signifier combines with an emotional, ideological, or cultural concept to create a new signified, which Barthes called the connotation.

Example

    For example, the denotation of this picture is a red rose, a flower. The connotation might generate a feel of love, passion; on the other hand, roses are usually used in funerals, so a red rose might signify deep love and respect for a deceased loved one.

Reflection

    I can use Barthes' semiotic theory to use second-order signification by selecting visual signs that generate a connotation relevant to the film's horror genre. For example, using a close-up shot of a dimly lit porcelain doll could work as a signifier that connotes a childhood horror or uncanny dread, setting the mood and expectation for the audience within the two minutes. This technique allows for a underlying communication of emotional themes without needing to use dialogue.

Sources

• - Fiveable Content Team. (2025). Roland Barthes | Literary Theory and Criticism Class Notes | Fiveable. Fiveable. https://fiveable.me/literary-theory-criticism/unit-2/roland-barthes/study-guide/9TPcjjwuKMNjWhl5
• - Amwoga Khalwale. (2025, April 9). 36 Most Popular Flowers For Funerals - AMERICAN GARDENER. AMERICAN GARDENER. https://americangardener.net/flowers-for-funerals/
• - Anez, A. (2017, December 3). Semiotics by Roland Barthes. Communicative Communication Theories. https://communicativecommunicationtheories.wordpress.com/media/semiotics-by-roland-barthes/
• - media studies. (2021, July 13). Roland Barthes’ 5 Narrative Codes | Media Studies Theory. Media Studies. https://media-studies.com/barthes-codes/
• - Wikipedia Contributors. (2019, April 23). Roland Barthes. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Barthes