Democratic National Convention 2012 article analysis according to Barthes’ five narrative codes

                When considering the Democratic National Convention we can apply the five codes to the media in a form of analysis. The codes help to categorise the story we are being told. My analysis looks at a multi-media collection which features a video from the convention as well as a printed article. This presents a range of different aspects to the audience who views this information. Being presented only one of these forms of media could lead to ambiguity or misunderstanding however in a combination the message is made clearer.

                The hermeneutic code refers to a lack of explanation or the avoidance of the full truth. This can be applied to the article as often an incomplete answer is given to political or economical problems raised. The audience is left asking ‘how?’ and, for members of the audience with foreknowledge of events or relationship, are wondering about the sudden change in the politicians relationship with each other. These questions are not answered and commonly this encourages us to search out the answers in other places to satisfy our curiosity. We are also interested in the response to the video that is also part of the article but this can be seen through the crowd’s reaction and we are even provided with links to further articles in this area. We are being directed in a specific path.

                The proairetic code is harder to apply outside of narrative as its function is to refer to an event that will happen so as to keep the reader guessing. When applying this to the article we must look at the use of language. The article quotes Bill Clinton who refers to what Obama will do if kept in office. The changes that can be brought in are implied and the actions that will take place are suggested. This keeps the reader interested. The proairetic code is quote often combined with the hermeneutic code as they both have a similar response from the reader.

                By looking at connotations rather than denotations we begin to see the semic code. Underlying this article are many implications. The article quotes Bill Clinton as saying; "If you want a 'you're on your own, winner take all society' you should support the Republican ticket," he said. "If you want a country of shared opportunities and shared responsibilities - a 'we're all in it together' society - you should vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden." This is a prime example of the semic code as the meaning behind the words implies if you pick Obama you will all live well, if you don’t you will suffer.

                The symbolic code has many relations to the semantic code and is harder to apply. However, it can be possibly seen in the article by the use of the past and the present; the past is seen in an almost negative light with excuses needing to be made whereas the future is made to appear bright. This shows some antithesis but unlike narrative it is not so explicit.

                Finally there is the referential code. This is seen in the author’s assumption that the reader of the article will have some foreknowledge of politics and have a general understanding of the proceedings. No explanations are given to the reader as the information is ‘common knowledge’ and most likely if you are reading the text you will have sought out this information.

                The presence of Barthes five narrative codes can be seen throughout this article, appearing in many different forms and translating knowledge in distinctly different ways.  

"Democratic Convention: Bill Clinton Backs Barack Obama." BBC News. BBC, 09 June 2012. Web. 06 Sept. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19497567>.