Theory of Binary Opposition for A2 Horror

1. Levi-Strauss’ Binary Opposition Theory
A2 Horror

2. Background Information
• Claude Levi-Strauss was a French
anthropologist and ethnologist
• He is often referred to as the
‘father of modern anthropology’

3. Binary Opposition Theory
• He proposed the idea that all narratives must be
driven forward by conflict caused by a chain of
opposing forces such as a hero and
villain
• This is how the narrative must function and
binary oppositions are key into making an
audience understand, in the world or society of
the film, the differences between the two
oppositions
• They are only able to be identified against each
other
•

4. Common Binary Oppositions
Good Evil
Dark Light
Male Female
Loud Silence
Rain/Wind Sun/Serene

5. Examples of Binary Oppositions
This clip demonstrates the binary oppositions of:
• The Supernatural vs The Natural
– Pennywise is a supernatural being as described in the movie which contrasts
against the boy, a natural human being
• The Known vs The Unknown
– Again, while Pennywise the Clown is considered part of the Unknown, the boy
is that of a common ‘species’ on earth, familiar with other humans
• The Dark vs The Light
– While the Clown is shadowed by the darkness of the sewer in an enclosed
place, Georgie is seen in daylight and in the location of an open road
• Innocence vs Danger
– Georgie is depicted as an innocent boy playing around near his house whereas
Pennywise, the villain, is malicious and is intended to hurt the boy as intended
in the discovery of the boy’s body