12 Questions
What term does Todorov use to describe the beginning of a story with a stable situation?
Equilibrium
According to Todorov, what disrupts the routine of the stable situation in a narrative?
Force
In the movie 'Moana', what disrupts the equilibrium of the island of Motunui?
Rotting coconuts
What is the term used by Todorov to describe the state of imbalance resulting from the disruption in a narrative?
Disequilibrium
Which narrative structure element involves characters searching for a new balance after the disruption?
Disequilibrium
'Where You Are' is a song in 'Moana'. What does Chief Tui describe about their life in this song?
Living prosperously with everything they need
What is the ultimate goal of Moana's quest in the narrative?
To find the heart of Te Fiti and restore it
How does the narrative of 'Luigi’s Mansion 3' begin?
With Luigi and friends arriving at The Last Resort for a holiday
Who transforms the luxurious hotel into a nightmarish world in 'Luigi’s Mansion 3'?
King Boo
What is the moment of repair in Todorov's narrative theory?
When balance is restored from disequilibrium
According to Todorov, what does a 'complete minimum plot' consist of?
The passage from one balance to another
What does Todorov label as 'nouns' in his narrative syntax?
Characters
Study Notes
Todorov's Narrative Theory
- Todorov, a narratologist, aimed to analyze the structural properties of narratives and develop a general theory applicable to all stories.
- He called this approach "narratology" or the science of narrative.
Equilibrium and Disruption
- According to Todorov, stories should begin with a stable situation (equilibrium).
- This equilibrium is then disturbed by a force, resulting in a state of imbalance (disequilibrium).
- Characters then search for a new equilibrium, creating a three-part structure.
Examples of Todorov's Narrative Theory
Moana
- The film opens with the Polynesian island of Motunui in a state of equilibrium, where the community has everything they need to live prosperously.
- A blight strikes the community, causing a disruption and disequilibrium.
- Moana goes on a quest to find the heart of Te Fiti, restoring the pounamu stone and repairing the damage caused by the blight.
- The narrative culminates in a new equilibrium, where the world is healed and Moana leads her people into a new voyage of discovery.
Luigi's Mansion 3
- The game begins with Luigi, Mario, Princess Peach, and three Toads arriving at The Last Resort for a holiday, establishing an equilibrium.
- The equilibrium is disrupted when the hotel is transformed into a nightmarish world of evil ghosts and deadly traps, capturing Luigi's friends.
- With the help of the Polterpup and Professor E.Gadd, Luigi must solve puzzles, battle ghosts, and make his way to the roof to rescue his friends and restore equilibrium.
Todorov's Terms and Concepts
- Todorov described narratives as consisting of a "syntax" of characters and discourse.
- Characters are labeled as nouns, and their actions are verbs.
- The "complete minimum plot consists of the passage from one balance to another".
Test your understanding of Todorov's narrative theory, focusing on equilibrium and disruption. Learn about the structural properties of narratives and how they apply to different stories.
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