Roland Barthes Narrative Theorist

Roland Gerard Barthes was a French literacy theorist, philosopher, linguist, critic and semiotician. He was born on the 12th November 1915 and died on the 26th of March 1980 aged 64. He had main interests in semiotics, Literacy theory and linguistics. 

Roland Barthes described 5 different types or codes that are added into any narrative.

The Hermeneutic Code 

The hermeneutic code contains anything in the text that is mysterious or unexplained, usually leading to questions which the reader needs answered. In the starred reading, the Hermeneutic code is represented as (HER)

The Proairetic Code

The proairetic code contains sequential elements of action in the text. Like the hermeneutic code, proairetic elements add suspense to the text. In the starred reading, the proairetic code is represented as (ACT)

The Semantic Code

The Semantic code refers to elements of the text that carry referential, extra-literal meaning. Elements of the Semantic code are called Semes. In the starred reading, the semantic Code is represented as (SEM)

The Symbolic Code

The Symbolic code refers to organised systems of semes. When two connotative elements are placed in opposition or brought together by the narrator, they form an element of the Symbolic code. In the starred reading, the Symbolic code is represented as (SYM) 

The Cultural Code

The Cultural code refers to anything in the text which refers to an external body of knowledge such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge. In the starred reading, the Cultural code is represented as (REF)