Roland Barthes' Mythologies | Literary Theory | Part 1

Summary

This video introduces Roland Barthes' 'Mythologies,' a 1957 text central to literary theory and cultural studies. Barthes explores semiotics, applying sign theory to culture, examining how events like wrestling become myths perpetuated by the bourgeoisie. The video discusses wrestling as a clear example of Barthes' theory, highlighting its artificiality and the predictable yet compelling nature of its signs and narrative patterns. It raises questions about the authenticity of signs and the role of the critic in demystifying cultural myths, hinting at the series' deeper dive into Barthes' work.

Takeaways

• 📚 Roland Barthes' 'Mythologies' is a seminal text studied across various disciplines, including literary theory and cultural studies.
• 🔍 The text explores semiotics, the study of signs, and extends this analysis from language to culture, viewing cultural phenomena as sign systems.
• 🎭 Barthes examines wrestling as a cultural sign, arguing that it is more spectacle than sport, with clear and obvious signifiers.
• 🤼‍♂️ Wrestling is used as an example to illustrate how cultural events can be turned into myths, which then appear natural and universal.
• 👓 Barthes suggests that myths are often created and perpetuated by the bourgeoisie, reflecting their values and perspectives.
• 🔑 The critic's role, as Barthes sees it, is to demystify these myths, revealing the underlying realities they conceal.
• 🤔 Barthes acknowledges the possibility of creating new myths in the process of demystification, raising questions about the nature of his own work.
• 🎭 The narrative patterns in wrestling are predictable yet engaging, reflecting a form of justice that is extrajudicial and distinct from traditional systems.
• 🤹‍♂️ Barthes finds a paradox in wrestling, where it is both conventionally artificial and genuinely rebellious, challenging the notion of bourgeois culture.
• 📖 The series of videos aims to delve deeper into the text, covering more examples and the theoretical implications of Barthes' analysis.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Roland Barthes' 'Mythologies'?

The main theme of 'Mythologies' is the analysis of how everyday cultural elements are transformed into myths, particularly by the bourgeoisie, and how these myths are presented as natural and universal truths.

Which edition of 'Mythologies' does the speaker focus on in the video?

The speaker focuses on the 1972 English translation of 'Mythologies' in the video.

What is semiotics and how does Barthes apply it in 'Mythologies'?

Semiotics is the study of signs and their meanings. Barthes applies semiotics not just to language but to culture, interpreting cultural phenomena like wrestling as sign systems that need to be deciphered.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between history, nature, and myth in Barthes' work?

The speaker describes that historical events are turned into myths, which over time come to seem natural and universal, thus creating a myth that appears as the only reality.

Who does Barthes identify as the creators of myths in society?

Barthes identifies the bourgeoisie, or traditional and conventional society, as the creators of myths.

What is the role of the critic according to Barthes?

The role of the critic, exemplified by Barthes himself, is to demystify myths by stripping away their mythical elements and exposing the reality beneath.

What does the speaker suggest about Barthes' own potential creation of new myths?

The speaker suggests that while Barthes demystifies myths, he may also be creating new ones, raising questions about the possibility of escaping myth entirely.

What is the first example Barthes uses in 'Mythologies' to illustrate his theory?

The first example Barthes uses is wrestling, which he analyzes for its clear and full signification, character types, and narrative patterns.

How does Barthes view traditional justice in relation to wrestling?

Barthes views traditional justice with skepticism, as he admires the extrajudicial logic and appeal of wrestling, which rarely presents a truly fair fight.

What paradox does the speaker identify in Barthes' view of wrestling?

The paradox identified is that wrestling is both conventional and artificial, yet it retains a sense of rebellion, unruliness, and chaos, which Barthes seems to admire.

What question does the speaker pose regarding the authenticity of signs in culture?

The speaker poses the question of what makes a sign seem genuine and admirable versus artificial and hypocritical, and how to apply such a standard to cultural signs.