After re-reading my media theories paper, I found a theory that could be important to integrate into my opening. The Binary opposition theory, from Levi Strauss, states that we experience life through the concept of opposites. Popular ones seen in movies are good vs. evil, and birth and death. By using this theory you have two opposing elements, working together to develop a narrative.
(Basic representation of two opposite sides, working together)
An example of where the binary opposition theory is seen in media is through the films of The Hunger Games. With the theory, they represent the oppressed vs. the oppressors. The capitol is seen as the oppressors, and on the other hand the oppressed in this example would be the districts. They are oppressed because they have to send tributes to the games, and live in poverty. In the midst of all of this, we see a key element added to the theory. Katniss Everdeen, she is the hope and symbol of resistance throughout all of this cruelty. By using the theory and creating two sides that work together in the same world, but against each other makes the narrative interesting by having a clash.
(Katniss (oppressed) and President Snow (oppressor))
Another example of integration of the binary opposition theory are the films in the Harry Potter series, these use the good vs. evil opposition. By having two distinct sides in the argument, just like The Hunger Games, we see them fight and compete. There are multiple examples of the good and evil sides throughout the films, such as the pure-bloods vs the muggle-born, and the Slytherins vs. Gryffindors. The different houses hold different characters with distinct personalities, this adds depth to the narrative and builds up the opposing sides, which come together to form the story. The Gryffindors are known for being brave and daring, while the Slytherins are known for being cunning, and ambitious.
By incorporating the binary opposition theory into my opening, I can set the scene for the rest of the story and create conflict to keep things interesting. My (developing) plot has a building argument, with two opposing sides. I'm going to keep adding to this and finalize my narrative by the end of this third week.
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