His Dark Materials: Language and Representation
Language and close-textual analysis
1) Write an analysis of the episode - using your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, editing, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
You can currently watch His Dark Materials on BBC iPlayer here.
Camerawork, editing and sound:Mise-en-scene:
Narrative and genre:
You can access our notes from our close-textual analysis in class here - you'll need your Greenford Google login to open this.
2) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre?
The show consists of witches, talking animals and prophecies as well as witches turning into dust and flying.
3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into?
Lyra is presented as the main character and hero of the show. Ms Coulter is presented as an evil villain attempting to find Lyra.
4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in His Dark Materials? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in His Dark Materials? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
“The prophecy has begun” Lyra - creates enigma and action codes; narrative arc for all three seasons of HDM
Sound: non-diegetic music - epic, orchestral music sets adventure genre and atmosphere.
Non-diegetic epic music reflects the wide and establishing shots of exotic locations (ocean, hot air balloon).
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative.
Binary opposition - young and old, grown ups and children, good/bad.
Representations
1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.
Lyra is presented as a strong, independent female character who adventures different worlds on her one. She subverts stereotypes as she is unable to cook and goes after what she wants. On the other hand, Will also subverts stereotypes.
2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.
3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs Coulter and other adults.
4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.
3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs Coulter and other adults.
4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.
Grade 8/9 extension tasks
Think about how politicians, religion and people with power are represented in the episode. For example, how are the Magisterium shown in this episode?
Read the critical Daily Bruin summary of the episode. Do you agree with the criticism? Why?
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