Wednesday, 12 December 2012

Todorov and Propp's Theories Applied to Tangled

Todorov's Theory
The equilibrium is that it starts off with the journey which Rapunzel and Flynn embark on to get to the floating lights. It is then disturbed by the disequilibrium which is the set up that Gothel created and Flynn's death. However it is saved by the new equilibrium when Rapunzel is reunited with her real parents and eventually marries Flynn Rider.

Propp's Theory
The villain-Mother Gothel
The hero-Rapunzel
The gift giver-Maximus
The sender-Flynn Rider
The false friend-Mother Gothel
The helper-Maximus/Pascal
The prince/princess-Rapunzel
The princess' father/king-The King of Corona

Monday, 10 December 2012

Todorov and Propp's Theories

Todorov's Theory 
Todorov said that there are 5 expected stages of a narrative, and here they are:
  1. A state of equilibrium at the outset.
  2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action.
  3. A recognition that there has been a disruption.
  4. An attempt to repair the disruption.
  5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium. 

Propp's Theory
Propp realised that certain characters recurred in completely different stories, here are the stock characters:
  1. The villain (who blocks the heroes quest)
  2. The hero/heroine (a character that seeks something)
  3.  The gift giver (who provides an object which has magical properties)
  4. The sender (who sends the hero on the quest via a message)
  5. The false friend (who disrupts the heroes success)
  6. The helper (who helps the hero)
  7. The princess/prince (who is the reward for the hero)
  8. The princess' father/king (who rewards the hero for his effort)