His Dark Materials: Language and Representation blog tasks

His Dark Materials: Language and Representation blog tasks


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: His Dark Materials: A City of Magpies' editing is incredibly quick paced, covering a lot of narrative ground while building excitement. Low angles are utilised to convey authority and dominance, whereas high angles are used to convey vulnerability and naivety. Lyra (High Angles) and Mrs. Coulter (Low angles) demonstrates this. There are many CGI and effects used to display the fantasy genre, such as a witch flying through a storm. Continuous non-digetic music hints at drama and pivotal moments.

Mise-en-scene: Lyra is initially seen strolling through a jungle when she is first introduced. From there, we can see the ocean-encircled "city in the sky." All the various exotic places used in this series are represented by these numerous biomes. Hot air balloons and other technology are also shown, which further ties the fantasy genre together.

Narrative and genre: The fantasy genre is strongly woven throughout this series. The topic of witches, for instance, appears on different occasions throughout this episode. Witches flying through storms can also be observed, and magic is used. In addition, some witches claim to have "knowledge of other worlds," which alludes to the existence of secondary worlds and further connects the fantasy subgenre. Furthermore, we can see a prophecy that spans the entire season.

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

Many things in "His Dark Materials" support the fantasy genre. To begin with, the episode is filled with otherworldly creatures like witches and daemons. These witches are visible utilising magic and flying. Additionally, they appear to have "knowledge of the other world," which is related to the fantasy subgenre even more. Furthermore, "daemons" are described using the idiom "three world, two windows." This could imply the existence of parallel universes.

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

Hero: Lyra  

Villain: Mrs Coulter

         'Princess': Lyra

         Donor: Will

         False Hero: 

         Father figure: Will

         Helper/sidekick : Will

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.)

Barthe's Action Code can be applied to the phrase "the fuse has been lit, the bomb has been burst, the world is aware" since it alludes to impending doom and a significant event about to take place. Barthe's enigma code is used often in this episode. For instance, Mrs. Coulter's identity and objectives.All these unanswered questions encourage viewers to keep watching.

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?
 Levi Strauss' binary opposition idea pervades the entire episode. Good vs. Evil, for instance, may be seen through The Witches and Mrs. Coulter. Furthermore, Lyra and Mrs. Coulter serve as examples of the binary opposition of young and old. Conflict and narrative are created by these binary oppositions.

Representations

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

In "His Dark Material," female characters are portrayed as independent and strong. Lyra is a prime example for this. As she travels alone and always appears prepared to defend herself, she is viewed as independent and very brave. Additionally, we see Mrs. Coulter challenging the idea that women are naive and fragile. She is a villain who is viewed as being extremely strong and in charge of many people and things.

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

Males are portrayed in "His Dark Materials" as aggressive and incompetent. When a problem arises during the meeting in the harbour, "Cardinal" is seen banging on the table and throwing glass. This demonstrates his emotional tendencies and inability to control his responses.

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.ⵛⵛ

Children are portrayed as independent and courageous in "His Dark Materials." This is demonstrated by Lyra and Will, who appeared to be travelling alone without any adult companion. This is also evident in the two children that Lyra and Will discovered. The children appeared to be by themselves, yet they looked after one another and themselves. This is demonstrated by the quotation, "Where are the grown ups," which implies that there are no adults and that the children have now been abandoned.

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

It can be said that the cast of "His Dark Materials" is diverse and multi ethnic. This challenges racial stereotypes because a non-Caucasian protagonist is given a prominent role (Will).

5) How are politicians, religion and people with power represented? Think about how the Magisterium are shown in this episode.

People in positions of power are portrayed as unfair and corrupt. They are perceived as unable to deal with issues. Through the magesterium, this is visible.