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25. Study of cultural texts (films, media, etc.) through a literary lens

Studying cultural texts such as films, television shows, advertisements, and other forms of media through a literary lens involves analyzing these texts using the methods and approaches traditionally applied to literature. This kind of analysis allows us to explore the deeper meanings, themes, and cultural significance of these texts, understanding them as narratives that contribute to societal discourse and reflect or challenge cultural norms.

Key Concepts in Studying Cultural Texts through a Literary Lens

  1. Narrative Structure

    • Definition: Just like in literature, the narrative structure of films and media refers to how the story is organized, including the plot, character development, and pacing.
    • Analysis: By examining the narrative structure, one can explore how the sequencing of events and the construction of characters convey themes and messages.
    • Example: In the film Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino, the non-linear narrative challenges traditional storytelling methods, creating a unique viewing experience that reflects on the chaos and unpredictability of life.

  2. Themes and Motifs

    • Definition: Themes are the central ideas or messages, while motifs are recurring elements that reinforce these themes.
    • Analysis: Identifying and analyzing themes and motifs in films and media can reveal underlying cultural messages or critiques.
    • Example: In the TV series Breaking Bad, the theme of moral decay is explored through the motif of transformation, as the protagonist Walter White evolves from a high school chemistry teacher into a drug kingpin.

  3. Symbolism

    • Definition: Symbolism involves using images, characters, or events to represent larger ideas or concepts.
    • Analysis: Understanding the symbolic elements in media texts can provide insight into the deeper meanings behind the visual and narrative choices.
    • Example: The green light in The Great Gatsby (both the novel and its film adaptations) symbolizes Gatsby's unattainable dreams and the broader theme of the American Dream's elusiveness.

  4. Characterization

    • Definition: Characterization is the way characters are presented and developed in a narrative.
    • Analysis: Analyzing character development in films and media reveals how they embody or challenge cultural stereotypes and contribute to the narrative's themes.
    • Example: In the film Black Panther, the character of T’Challa is portrayed as a complex hero who grapples with his responsibilities as a king and the broader implications of power and legacy within the context of African identity.

  5. Intertextuality

    • Definition: Intertextuality refers to the relationship between different texts, where one text references or echoes another.
    • Analysis: Examining intertextual references can uncover how a film or media piece dialogues with other works, genres, or cultural texts.
    • Example: The Stranger Things series is rich with intertextual references to 1980s pop culture, including films like E.T. and The Goonies, which enhances its nostalgic appeal and connects with viewers familiar with those earlier works.

  6. Ideology and Power

    • Definition: Ideology in cultural texts refers to the underlying set of beliefs or values that a narrative promotes or critiques. Power dynamics often play a role in how these ideologies are presented.
    • Analysis: Analyzing the ideological messages within films and media can reveal how these texts reinforce or challenge societal power structures.
    • Example: The film The Matrix explores themes of control and freedom, critiquing the idea of reality as a construct imposed by powerful entities, which can be seen as an allegory for ideological control in society.

Examples and Case Studies

  1. Case Study: The Godfather (1972)

    • Scenario: This iconic film directed by Francis Ford Coppola is often analyzed through a literary lens due to its complex characters, themes, and symbolism.
    • Analysis: The narrative structure of The Godfather mirrors a classical tragedy, with Michael Corleone’s descent into power reflecting themes of corruption and the loss of moral integrity. The film uses rich symbolism, such as the recurring motif of oranges, which often appear before a character’s death, to foreshadow violence and betrayal.

  2. Case Study: The Handmaid’s Tale (TV Series, 2017)

    • Scenario: Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, this TV adaptation can be studied through a literary lens for its exploration of themes such as oppression, gender roles, and resistance.
    • Analysis: The series uses a dystopian narrative structure to critique contemporary societal issues, particularly regarding women’s rights and authoritarianism. Through visual and narrative symbolism, such as the color-coded attire of the women (red for handmaids, blue for wives), the series highlights the control and subjugation of women in this fictional society, echoing real-world gender dynamics.

  3. Example: Mad Men (TV Series, 2007-2015)

    • Scenario: This series, set in the advertising world of the 1960s, is ripe for analysis through a literary lens, particularly in its exploration of themes related to identity, consumerism, and societal change.
    • Analysis: The characterization of Don Draper as a complex anti-hero reflects the theme of identity crisis, while the series’ use of symbolism (e.g., the recurring image of falling) underscores the fragility of the American Dream. The show’s intertextual references to historical events and cultural texts deepen its critique of the era’s values and ideologies.

Approaches to Analyzing Cultural Texts

  1. Formal Analysis: Focuses on the technical and aesthetic aspects of the text, such as narrative structure, cinematography, editing, and sound.
  2. Thematic Analysis: Identifies and interprets the central themes and messages of the text, exploring how they relate to broader cultural and social issues.
  3. Psychoanalytic Approach: Examines the text through the lens of psychoanalytic theory, exploring unconscious desires, fears, and motivations of characters.
  4. Feminist Analysis: Investigates how gender roles and power dynamics are portrayed in the text, often critiquing representations of women and exploring themes of patriarchy and sexism.
  5. Postcolonial Analysis: Explores themes of colonization, identity, and cultural conflict, examining how the text addresses issues of power, domination, and resistance.

Conclusion

Studying cultural texts like films, TV shows, and media through a literary lens provides a deeper understanding of how these texts function as narratives that reflect and shape societal values, ideologies, and power structures. By applying literary techniques such as thematic analysis, symbolism, and characterization to these texts, we can uncover the complexities of their cultural significance and their role in the broader discourse of human experience.

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