His Dark Materials: Language and Representation blog tasks

 


1) Write an analysis of the episode - using your 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, 
Low angle shots of Mrs Coulter emphasise her power; witch shown from high angle to show weakness.

Mise-en-scene:
Storm/rain - connotations of danger but also reminding audiences her friend Roger died in season 1.

Narrative and genre: 

  • “The witches will want us to fight” - narrative device. Suggests future conflict (action code).

 

You can access our notes from the close-textual analysis in a previous class here - you'll need your Greenford Google login to open this.

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

His Dark Materials adheres to the fantasy TV genre conventions by presenting a richly detailed world with imaginative settings. 



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


The Hero : Lyra Belacqua can be seen as the hero of the story. She is the central character whose actions drive the plot forward. 



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.)


Mysterious Origins of Lyra: One of the central enigmas in the series revolves around the mysterious origins of the protagonist, Lyra Belacqua. 



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. 


 Good vs. Evil Another prominent binary opposition in the trilogy is the classic struggle between good and evil. Characters like Lord Asriel and Mrs Coulter



Representations

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



Lyra Belacqua: Lyra is a central character in the series, known for her bravery, curiosity, and rebellious nature.




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

Will Parry is a central character in the series, introduced in the second book, The Subtle Knife. Will embodies qualities traditionally associated with masculinity such as strength, courage, and protectiveness. 





3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) 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.

Lyra and Will: Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry are central characters in the series who are portrayed as teenagers. Despite their young age, both Lyra and Will exhibit remarkable courage, intelligence, and resilience throughout their adventures.



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

One of the key ways in which His Dark Materials subverts stereotypes related to race and ethnicity is through the diverse range of characters portrayed in the series.




5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.
In the episode “The City of Nowhere,” the representation of the world is a blend of reality and fantasy. 

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