Television: His Dark Materials - Language and Representation

 Language and close-textual analysis

1) Write an analysis of the episode - using 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.)

Camerawork, editing and sound:  epic non diegetic music reflected the stunning location (not air balloon)

Mise-en-scene: actor placement and movement lyra eats with her hands walks over bed creates reversal of gender stereotypes.  

Narrative and genre: Daemon explanation gives audience back story on lyra and pan. 

 

2) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre?

Dramatic narrative, usually linear (with continuity across episodes.) This is called narrative arc.Ensemble cast (a range of characters with own storylines). Sometimes an episode will focus more on one character than another.

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

Daemon: the name given to the shape-shifting animal that is part of your soul (in Lyra’s world). Everyone has one in her world. Lyra Silvertongue: protagonist (main character, hero) who is on the run from her world due to being hunted. She is the subject of a prophecy (fortune) that says she will change the world.

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.)

people might be wondering that Lyra and Will might end up getting together people might think they would fall in love or maybe that will is bad for Lyra and they might just b using eachother. 

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 is a theory that all narratives are driven by conflict of a series of opposing forces. There are many examples that can be found in this Doctor Who episode e.g. good v evil; young v old; human v alien; dark v light etc.

Representations

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

Many characters in this episode of His Dark Materials subvert stereotypes. Lyra is a strong, independent female character who doesn't need or want help from anyone on her dangerous quest across different worlds. She can't cook, isn't bothered by her appearance and takes what she wants. Mrs Coulter also subverts female stereotypes as a cold hearted villain. She is actually Lyra's mother but displays none of the maternal stereotypes the media usually presents as typically female.

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

Will is very different compared to other Men and his the opposite of Lyra. Will cooks and cares about his hygiene. However there are some men in the sho who like to have full control. 

3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; older people) 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.

Most of the main characters in this series and episode are children and they are shown not to need adults or help from older people. The abandoned children of Cittàgazze also demonstrate they can live without adults - which subverts typical stereotypes. Mrs Coulter also shows how stereotypes are subverted as a parent who does not care for her child.

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

The actors in His Dark Materials are from a range of ethnic and social class backgrounds and the character of Will subverts stereotypes of race and ethnicity as well as gender. However, some stereotypes are reinforced - the abandoned children in Cittàgazze are presented as working class in a very stereotypical way.