Doctor Who: Language and Representation blog tasks

1.  Camerawork and sound:

• Music - theme tune to Doctor Who. Very science-fiction - sets genre from beginning.

• Graphics on screen: title of show and episode. Simple text/font. 

• Slow, clunky camera movement (due to technology in 1960s). 

• Sound: hum of TARDIS (helps create science-fiction genre).Flashback scenes - close-ups of Susan to show her emotion or misunderstanding.

• Medium shot of Doctor holding vase with teachers in background - makes Doctor look evil.

    Mise en scene: 

• Susan - first introduced dancing and dressed as 1960s teenager (costume). Seems to be both typical teenager and alien.

• Costume and hair typical of 1960s.

• School - creates personal identity for audience. Setting - junkyard. Lighting - dark/shadows. Creates mysterious, tense atmosphere.

• Setting - inside the TARDIS. Central control console, white walls with circle design, TARDIS much bigger on inside than out. 

• Lighting - TARDIS is bright white (sci-fi connotation). Also contrasts with shadows outside (binary opposition).

• New setting - new time/planet. Sets up next episode.

• Actor movement when TARDIS takes off - poor quality acting. Reflects basic nature of TV in 1960s/lack of CGI or effects.

     Narrative and genre:

• Opening title sequence like a rocket taking off - sci-fi genre and links to 1960s space race.

• Enigma codes: mystery of Susan’s home. French Revolution book - “I’ll have finished it” “That’s not right”... suggests time travel.

• Levi-Strauss - binary opposition. Light/dark - lost torch.

• Enigma code: Police Box / TARDIS. “It’s alive!” 

• Action code: some kind of conflict/threat linked to TARDIS. 

• Propp character types: Doctor presented as villain.

2. 

1. Todorov's Equilibrium:

1. In Todorov's theory, narratives often start in a state of equilibrium, disrupt this equilibrium with a conflict, and eventually restore it by the end. Consider the Doctor Who episode "The Day of the Doctor". At the beginning of the episode, there is an equilibrium in the universe, albeit a fragile one, as the Time War rages on. However, when the Doctor's past, present, and future selves are brought together to save Gallifrey, it disrupts this equilibrium, leading to chaos and uncertainty. Throughout the episode, the narrative revolves around the attempt to restore this equilibrium by finding a solution that allows Gallifrey to be saved without destroying the universe. Ultimately, the equilibrium is restored when the Doctors find a way to save Gallifrey without causing further harm.

1. Propp's Character Theory:

1. Propp's theory outlines characte

   r archetypes and their roles within a narrative. In Doctor Who, these archetypes are often present, albeit with some variations due to the show's unique premise. For example, the Doctor typically fulfills the role of the hero, facing challenges and overcoming adversaries to save the day. Other archetypes, such as the helper (companion), the villain (alien threats or adversaries), and the dispatcher (someone who sends the Doctor on their quest, like the Time Lords), can also be identified in various episodes.

1. Barthes's Enigma and Action Codes

1. Barthes's theory of enigma codes refers to elements in a narrative that create mystery or suspense, while action codes refer to narrative cues that signal what will happen next. In many Doctor Who episodes, enigma codes are prevalent, as the Doctor and their companions often encounter mysterious situations or adversaries that they must unravel. Action codes are also abundant, as the narrative is driven by the characters' actions and reactions to the challenges they face. For example, in the episode "Blink", enigma codes are present in the mystery of the Weeping Angels and their ability to send people back in time, while action codes are evident in the characters' attempts to avoid the Angels and find a way to escape their grasp.

1. Levi-Strauss's Binary Opposition:

1. Levi-Strauss's theory focuses on the way narratives often revolve around the clash or reconciliation of opposing forces or ideas. In Doctor Who, binary oppositions are frequently present, such as the conflict between good and evil, past and future, or chaos and order. For instance, in the episode "The Pandorica Opens", there is a clear binary opposition between the Doctor and his allies, who seek to prevent the destruction of the universe, and the alliance of his adversaries, who seek to trap him in the Pandorica to prevent the TARDIS from causing the universe's destruction. The resolution of this conflict forms the crux of the narrative.

3. In my opinion, one of the most important scenes in this episode is when the audience first sees the interior of the TARDIS.

This scene is crucial because it serves as the moment of revelation for both the characters within the story and the viewers at home. For the characters, it's the first time they (and the audience) realize that the TARDIS is much larger on the inside than it appears from the outside—a concept that defies conventional logic and sets the stage for the wonders and mysteries of time and space that the Doctor and their companions will encounter throughout the series.

For the audience, this scene is a pivotal moment of imagination and wonder. It captures the essence of Doctor Who's unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, inviting viewers to suspend their disbelief and embark on an adventure beyond the confines of reality. The TARDIS interior not only symbolizes the infinite possibilities of the Doctor's travels but also serves as a visual representation of the show's central theme: the exploration of the unknown and the limitless potential of the universe.

Additionally, this scene establishes the TARDIS as an iconic element of the Doctor Who mythology, one that continues to captivate audiences and inspire fascination decades after its first appearance. It's a moment that embodies the spirit of discovery and adventure that has defined the series for generations of viewers.

4. "An Unearthly Child" can be classified primarily as science fiction, with elements of mystery and adventure.

1. Time Travel and Futuristic Setting: The premise of the episode involves the Doctor and their companions traveling through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine disguised as a police box. This futuristic technology and the concept of time travel are quintessential elements of science fiction storytelling.

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2. Alien Characters and Creatures: The episode introduces viewers to the Doctor, a mysterious alien Time Lord, and their granddaughter Susan, who is also an alien. The presence of these extraterrestrial characters adds to the sci-fi atmosphere of the story. Additionally, the mysterious nature of the Doctor and Susan's origins creates an aura of intrigue and adds a layer of mystery to the narrative.

5."An Unearthly Child" reflects the social and historical contexts of the 1960's in several ways:

1. Educational Environment: The episode is set in a contemporary urban environment, specifically Coal Hill School in London. This setting reflects the importance placed on education and academic institutions during the 1960s, a time when post-war Britain was focused on rebuilding and modernizing its educational system to meet the needs of a changing society.

1. Gender Roles: The dynamics between the characters in "An Unearthly Child" also reflect the social norms and gender roles of the 1960s. For example, Barbara Wright, one of the Doctor's companions, is portrayed as a schoolteacher, a profession that was traditionally associated with women during this time period. Additionally, the portrayal of Susan as a young, intelligent, but somewhat naive girl reflects the societal expectations placed on young women in the 1960s.

1. Television Culture: "An Unearthly Child" was produced at a time when television was becoming an increasingly dominant form of entertainment and information dissemination. The success of Doctor Who as a television series speaks to the growing popularity and influence of television during the 1960s, as well as the desire for innovative and imaginative programming that could capture the public's imagination.

In summary, "An Unearthly Child" reflects the social and historical contexts of the 1960s through its portrayal of educational institutions, gender roles, themes of exploration, and the broader cultural and geopolitical atmosphere of the time.

Representations:

1. Reinforced Stereotypes

The Rational and Authoritative Male (The Doctor)

• Role: The Doctor is portrayed as a highly intelligent, knowledgeable, and authoritative figure.

• Behavior: He often takes charge of situations, demonstrating rationality and problem-solving skills. This reinforces the stereotype of men being logical and decisive leaders.

• Interaction: His interaction with other characters, particularly his granddaughter Susan and the teachers, shows a dynamic where he is the primary source of knowledge and decision-

2.

Reinforced Stereotypes

The Caring and Nurturing Female (Barbara Wright)

• Role: Barbara, one of Susan's teachers, is often portrayed as the caring and nurturing figure.

• Behaviour: She frequently shows concern for Susan and others, taking on a motherly role.

• Interaction: Barbara’s protective nature towards Susan and her empathy towards Ian reflect the traditional stereotype of women being nurturing and emotionally supportive.

3.

Representations of Young People:

Curiosity and Rebellion (Susan Foreman)

• Role: Susan, the Doctor's granddaughter, embodies the youthful traits of curiosity, intelligence, and a desire for independence.

• Behavior: She is inquisitive, exploring new ideas and environments with enthusiasm. Her interest in science and advanced knowledge for her age reflect the era's fascination with progress and the space race.

• Interaction: Susan's occasional clashes with her grandfather, the Doctor, highlight the generational tension between youth and authority. Her rebellion against traditional expectations mirrors the broader youth rebellion of the 1960s, where young people increasingly questioned established norms and sought greater personal freedom.

4.

Analysis of Representations in "An Unearthly Child"

Lack of Racial and Ethnic Diversity

• Characters: All main characters are white, and the story does not include any significant non-white characters or references to diverse ethnic backgrounds.

• Setting: The story's setting, primarily within the confines of the TARDIS and 1960s London, does not provide opportunities to explore diverse cultural backgrounds.

5.

Representation of Social Class

1. The Doctor and Susan

• Role: The Doctor and Susan come across as otherworldly and somewhat outside traditional social class structures due to their alien origins. However, their knowledge and behavior can be associated with a certain intellectual elite.

• Behavior: The Doctor's vast knowledge and Susan’s advanced intellect suggest a class status that values education and intellectualism highly. They operate in a realm where knowledge is power, positioning them above ordinary societal concerns.

• Interaction: Their interactions with Ian and Barbara often place them in a position of authority, suggesting a higher intellectual and possibly social status.