Narrative CodesBarthe’s Theory

IntroductionBarthe suggested that there will be one or

more codes that will describe the meaning of a text, these codes will be to do with the visuals, the audio, etc.

Texts can either be ‘open’ (meaning they can have multiple interpretations), or ‘closed’ (meaning there is only one, single interpretation, although this seems a bit dated now)

The 5 Codes• Hermeneutic/Enigma Code

• Proairetic/Action Code• Semantic Code• Symbolic Code

• Referential Code

Hermeneutic/Enigma Code This code refers to the mystery within a text

Clues are dropped but no clear answers are given

Enigmas in a text make the audience want to know more

Unanswered enigmas tend to frustrate the audience

Examples of this code include the first image – what are the men looking at in the boot of their car? – and the second image – why is there a blow up boy sat next to a normal boy?

Proairetic/Action CodeThis code contains sequential elements of

action in a text

Proairetic elements add suspense to a text

Semantic CodeThis code refers to parts in a text that suggest

or refer to additional meanings, e.g. a rose suggests romance

Elements of the semantic code are called semes

The seme has a connotative function in a text, it has an extra layer of meaning in addition to its literal meaning

This code is very similar to the referential code

Symbolic CodeThis code refers to the symbolism in a text

It exercises opposites to show a contrast and create greater meaning, creating tension, drama and character development

This code links to Levi-Strauss’ Binary Oppositions theory

Referential CodeThe referential code refers to anything in a text

which refers to an external body of knowledge, e.g. scientific, historical and cultural knowledge

This code relies on the audience having existing knowledge, e.g. if a text is based in New York it would use known landmarks so that the audience recognises them and understands