Blog Post: Semiotic Method 2/17/20

Reading Summary

In this reading, we learned about the semiotic method and how it helps guide us to interpreting different meanings of media. The semiotic method allows you to look at signs or symbols and determine the underlying meaning of that piece of context. This technique helps us understand more than just what is being portrayed in front of our eyes. There are four elemental principles of semiotics that are frequently used to interpret data and text. First is that a meaning of a sign can be found within relations in a system. This means in order to break down the sign, you must know which system it belongs to and why. The second elemental principle is finding the denotative and connotative meanings of signs. To be more specific, denotation is a sign’s first level meaning or what it is directly showing, and connotation is the indirect meaning of a sign. The third principle is that connotative significance involves abduction and over determination. Abduction is searching for the most explanatory answer within data, and over-determination is the multiple causes behind a cultural phenomenon. Lastly, the fourth elemental principle states that cultural myths are reflections of their builders’ values rather than logic which ties into social reality and how humans experience the world. While it is true to say that signs can be broken down and analyzed differently, the main idea behind the semiotic method is to question and analyze everything.

Outside Example

When reading this text, I kept thinking about how pop culture has been a significant influence on how audiences take in media. It reminded me of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire because there are so many hidden, indirect meanings within the movie that reflect our society today as well as direct context clues. The movie begins with characters Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) having to join a Victors Tour. There is corruption and rebellion in their capital which makes Katniss have some concern. They then find out, President Snow has too much power over his people and decides to have yet another Hunger Games. The basic premise of the Hunger Games is to control population and bring balance to a society that has been born through lots of poverty but also lots of wealth.

Reading Connection

The movie’s cover shows Jennifer Lawrence pointing an arrow as she is surrounded by black, orange, and red flames. The dominant color is red in this particular picture which shows anger, passion, rage, power, aggression, and war. These are all words that describe the sequel as Katniss is the leader of the rebellion of President Snow. This would be considered a denotative sign because it is directly showing the themes of the movie by showing specific colors. Audiences can see red, black, and darker shades throughout most of the film as death and rebellion are common themes in the film. There are also connotative signs in the movie that are trickier to find, like how the movie warns us about population control and how tyrannical government leaders can be corrupt. President Snow is a great example of a connotative sign because he describes what a “good” society is to Katniss as he tries to manipulate her into doing something that is wrong. There are plenty of underlying messages throughout this film and I think using the semiotic method to analyze/interpret this movie would be very interesting.