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Mythologies

Questions About Mythologies

by Roland Barthes

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Answered Questions (1)

Is this book about semiology?
Johnny Lucas Short answer: Yes.

Long answer:
Semiology as a formal field of study was nascent at the time Barthes was writing Mythologies. Aside from the final essay…moreShort answer: Yes.

Long answer:
Semiology as a formal field of study was nascent at the time Barthes was writing Mythologies. Aside from the final essay, 'Myth, Today', Barthes does not focus on Semiological theory per se, but instead uses it to analyse the language of cultural phenomena; ranging from Wrestling to Margarine to an exhibition in Paris called 'The Great Family of Man'. His aim in this is to demonstrate how bourgeois ideology creates a separate and distorted (he even claims "parasitic") field of discourse, which he terms "mythical". In the final essay, however, Barthes explains his reasoning, influences, and method so far. I found the last essay to be rather dense, and definitely recommend reading the preceding chapters in order to familiarise yourself with the terms and concepts he uses. Overall it's a cracking read though, and recommend it to anyone who feels that there are aspects of our cosy culture which imply, rather than outright state, an unpalatable reality. Hope this helps!(less)
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