Narrative Theory

In this post, I'm going to talk about narrative theory, studying one of the Russian formalists- Propp -and applying it to my film of choice...in this case- it's the Lion King.

First! What is Narrative?- A quote from Branigan, E. Narrative Comprehension and Film (Routledge 1992)

More Specifically, narrative is a way of organising spatial and temporal data into a cause and effect chain of events with a beginning, middle, and end that embodies a judgement about the nature of the events as well as demonstrates how it is possible to know, and hence to narrate, the events.

Propp's Narrative Theory

1.Preparation- a community or family is in an ordered state of being.

2.Complication- the villain harms a member of the hero's family.

3.Transference- the hero is given a magical gift.
The hero arrives at the place he can fulfil his quest.

4.Struggle- there is a struggle between the hero and villain.

5.Return- the hero escapes. A task is set for the hero. The hero accomplishes the task.

6.Recognition- The hero is rewarded.


Lets apply this to the Lion King!(Often Disney Films apply to Todorov/Propp's theory)

Preparation- the pack of pride rock with Mufasa as the leader.

Complication- Mufasa is killed by Scar in a stampede but Simba is the one who thinks he killed Mufasa.

Transference- Simba runs away and is found by Timone + Pumbaa.

Struggle- Simba meets Rafiki and is confronted by Mufasa (in ghost/cloud form)that Simba should return to Pride Rock.

Return- Nala finds Simba, they return to the Pride and have to defeat Scar. Simba then defeats Scar with the help of his friends Timone + Pumbaa.

Recognition- Simba becomes the new Lion King.

Propp's seven character types :

Hero- Simba- He is the one who is set out on a quest, the main character, the film is centered around his life.

Villain- Scar- Simba's uncle, he is trying to become the Lion King- does succeed until Simba defeats him.

Helper- Timone + Pumbaa- They help Simba- rescued him from the desert, taught him it was worth it to live.

Mentor- Rafiki/Mufasa- Encourages Simba to return to the pride.

Blocker- Hyenas- Henchmen of Scar.

Prize- Nala- Simba's girlfriend at the end of the film.

Dispatcher- Rafiki/Mufasa- Send Simba out on his quest to defeat Scar.