Todorovs Theory of Narrative

Hannah Burgess & Katie Charman.

Narrative theory and narrative codes

Narrative is the way this process of stories is organised, how stories are structured and then potentially decoded or understood. This is shown through: Structure Todorovs narrative theory. Elements - Normally through images. The images give you clues as to what is happening through clothing, the actors and so on.

State of equilibrium

Disruption of equilibrium

Reinstatement of equilibrium

Todorovs narrative theory

Recognition of the disruption

Attempt to repair the disruption

State of equilibrium- Anita "Needy" Lesnicki and Jennifer Check are high school students who have been best friends since childhood, despite having little in common. One night Jennifer and Needy go to the local bar to attend a concert by the band Low Shoulder.

Disruption of equilibrium A fire breaks out and Jennifer goes off with the band in a drunk state. She was raped and the band took her as a virgin sacrifice to Satan in return for fame, leaving Jennifer to become possessed. Jennifer starts killing all the local boys in the area and one of her next targets is Needys boyfriend.

Reinstatement of equilibrium Needy now leads a new life of obtaining some of Jennifers supernatural powers and lives in an asylum.

Application of Todorovs narrative theory- Jennifers Body.

Recognition of the disruption Jennifer explains to Needy what happened and that she needs human flesh to survive. On the night of prom Needy realises that Jennifers next victim is her boyfriend.

Attempt to repair the disruption In an attempt to save her boyfriend and other boys, Needy takes it upon herself to kill Jennifer in the hope of releasing the demon inside her. Whilst doing so Needy gets bitten by Jennifer. Jennifer dies.

Elements
Two girls sitting in bed talking.

Flashback to a dark scene of one of the girls covered in blood leading a boy into the woods.

She explains how she needs human flesh to survive.

She injures herself.

The wound heals itself revealing she has supernatural powers.