Observing opposites

Claude Levi-Strauss’ theory of binary opposition

In 400BC Aristotle said that ‘all drama is conflict’. In the 20th Century Levi-Strauss built
on this theory.

In brief:
In the 20th century Claude Levi-Strauss said that all stories
are propelled forward by conflict that is caused by
characters and events opposing each other: that opposites
are important to a story.

How many opposites can you think of that might crop up in a film?

Here are some to start you off:

 good and evil

 light and darkness

 noise and silence

 strength and weakness

 past and present

Detailed research:
Find out about Claude Levi-Strauss. Use a combination of
media textbooks, the internet and the library. In your own
words write a short biography, list his more famous theories
and include a photograph. Read more about his theory of
binary opposition.

© www.teachit.co.uk 2010 14165 Page 1 of 2

Observing opposites

Name: ...................................................................................................................... Film: .................................................................................................

Watch a film and identify any opposites that come up. Fill in the worksheet with your observations. You may well need more than
one sheet!

Details – plot – characters involved Opposites Details – plot – characters involved

© www.teachit.co.uk 2010 14165 Page 2 of 2