1. Barthes 5
narrative codes

2. • Barthes suggested that there will be one or
more of the 5 codes that descibe the
meaning of a text.
• Barthes said that texts may be ‘open’
(unravelled in a lot of different ways) or
‘closed’ (there is only one obvious thread to
pull on).

3. The 5 codes
• Hermeneutic /
Enigma code
• Proairetic/Action
code
• Semantic code
• Symbolic code
• Referential code

4. Hermeneutic/Enigma code
• This code refers to mystery within a text.
Clues are dropped, but no clear answers
are given.
• Enigmas within the narrative make the
audience want to know more.
• Unanswered enigmas tend to frustrate
the audience.

5. Proairetic/Action code
• This code contains sequential elements of
action in the text.
• Proairetic elements add suspense to the
text.

6. Semantic code
• This code refers to parts within the text
that suggests or referes to additional
meanings.
• Elements of the semantic code are called
Semes.
• The seme has a connotative function in the
text. It has an extra layer of meaning in
addition to its literal meaning

7. Symbolic code
• This code is about symbolism within the text.
• It exercises opposites to show contrast and
create greater meaning, creating tension,
drama and character development.

8. Referential code
• This code refers to anything in the text
which refers to an external body of
knowlegde such as scientific, historical and
cultural knowledge.