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: opening shot of lyra which establishes her close bond with pan,sound building up-shows a sense of thrill,close up shot of each characters

Mise-en-scene:costume-masculine(tom boy,adventurous,practical and ready for action,setting-change in setting to submarine

Narrative and genre:use of there being different word,religious traditions

You can access our notes from the close-textual analysis in a previous 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?

-iconography

-follows props theory

-adventures

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into? 

-hero(lyra)

-villan(miss c)

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 sound in the shots build up over time and this creates tension for the audience because they want to know what will happen next.There are also close up shots to show us a better seeing of things and show context.

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. 

fantasy/real life-the world lyra lived in was fantasy because she had a demon however in wills world was seen as much more real life 

Representations

1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.

Lyra subverts stereotypes.This is mainly because of how she dresses.For example lyra dresses as a tomboy.Mrs Coulter also subverts stereotypes because she is in charge and has a lot of dominance and power.

2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.

Will reinforces and subverts stereotypes at the same time.This is because lyra does seem to have more power over will in a way.However will looks after lyra and seems more manly.Lee reinforces stereotypes.This is because he goes out save lyra which is seen as his duty.

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.

Will and lyra subvert stereotypes.This is because they go on their journey alone and they are seen as the parental figures towards the other characters.

4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Race and ethnicity is subverted in His dark materials.This is because there is a diverse range of culture in His Dark Materials.This is different to Doctor Who because the characters were predominately white.

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.

Some parts of the word are seen as fantasy.For example lyras world because she has a demon.However in wills world it is seen as more real life because he dosen't have demons.Also in the world they are in now it is seen as fantasy because there were spectors