Claude Levi-Strauss Narrative Theory

 Claude Levi-Strauss Binary Opposite

The theory of Binary Opposites is that narratives are driven by relationships between opposing forces, character's or themes/ideologies and that our understanding of these is often determined by our knowledge of it's opposite. Many books and films follow this narrative and introduce contrast. For example, in a superhero film or book there will be good vs evil, horror film they will be supernatural vs human. However, binary opposites can cause a negative perspective, such as female vs male, a women may be perceived as weak and the one that always needs saving. Where as the male might be seen as heroic and strong. But over the years films have been breaking these stereotypes. 

Male - Female

Good - Evil

Black - White

Power - Weakness 

Peace - War