Application of theories to Stranger Things

Question 1

apply Semiology by Barthes to Stranger Things

Answer 1

• introduction scene of Hopper: signifiers such as his badge, gun, uniform, empty beer cans all suggest values and ideological messages around power and masculinity, demonstrating how objects can form a social meaning which reflects dominant ideologies

Question 2

apply Structuralism by Levi-Strauss to Stranger Things

Answer 2

• there are a range of binary oppositions in ST: adult/child, masculine/feminine, power/weakness, popular/outsider, M/C/W/C
• in the first half of season 1, the first half of these pairs are seen as the more dominant, however this slowly flips throughout the season - suggesting a more liberal ideological position which is sympathetic to those without social power
• the weak, sympathetic depiction of will can be seen as a critique of hegemonic masculinity - as well for eleven, she disrupts several binary oppositions in relation to power + gender

Question 3

apply Postmodernism by Baudrillard to Stranger Things

Answer 3

• ST can be described as hyperreal - as its a representation of the 80s based on other media representations
• this is done through signs/signifiers - costumes, hair styles, props, set design, music, pop culture references - to create a hyperreal version of the 80s
• there is no attempt to represent the lived reality of 1980s America

Question 4

apply Identity by Gauntlett to Stranger Things

Answer 4

• the first episode shows the 80s society to be a world of patriarchal power and entrenched gender roles
• however the representation of some oscial groups suggests identities are less fixed and communicates contradictory ideas about identity
• e.g. ideas of masculinity and male identity shwon throguh Mr Clark, Hopper, Steve, Jonathon, and Will
• ST fan culture has allowed self-expression and identification with characters. online fan culture like fan art / fiction / memes demonstrates how online media allows audiences to participate in fan culture as well as express their own identities

Question 5

apply Feminist theory by bell hooks to Stranger Things

Answer 5

• ST represents a patriarchal social order with many male characters shown in positions of authority (Hopper, Dr Brenner, Mr Clark), whereas female characters are often shown in a less powerful social position
• over the course of S1, the typical rigid social norms of the 80s are subverted through the increasingly powerful roles of women
• in terms of intersectionality, ST presents the differences between being a w/c and m/c mother (shown through Joyce + Ms Wheeler)
• additionally, ST lacks representation of significant female characters from any ethnicity than white - while ST may build a narrative of female empowerment, its focused solely on white female empowerment

Question 6

apply Fandoms by Jenkins to ST

Answer 6

• ST demonstrates the participatory nature of media audiences and the use of textual poaching
• an example of convergence culture is the ‘Justice for Barb’ meme - as it emerged from the audience. it suggests how fan culture can interact with media production and how in S2, there was a storyline focused on Barb’s parents
• additionally, social media acts as a tool for audiences to interact with actors, writers or producers. e.g Noah Schnapp, the actor of Will, uses Instagram to respond to online fan discussions about the character’s sexuality
• the use of intertextuality, retro styles, appealing characters, the cast’s activity on social media, allow ST to be spreadable, and add popularity

Question 7

state the binary oppositions of ST

Answer 7

• monstrous - ordinary
• threat - companionship
• violence - nurturing

Question 8

state the binary oppositions of D83

Answer 8

• state - family
• manipulation - love
• danger - safety