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Barthe’s Enigma Code

Narrative Theory in Music Videos

‘Wide Awake’ by Katy Perry has many of Barthe’s enigma theory features throughout the video. The video shows the aspects of Katy Perry’s life and it suggests that it presents the idea of ‘fame’ within her life. The lyrics and the video connote the pressures of this, and Barthe’s enigma code expresses this.

*‘Wide Awake’ video is on my blog*

Tree roots connote how they are the roots of her like, to help keep her grounded.

They also help connote the roots of her childhood, and a former life. Which is mentioned within the video

The strawberry here can be seen as a ‘forbidden fruit’ tale which is found in the Bible alongside the tale of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Edan. This can connote the greed of the fame around her. As the video carries on, we see the strawberry beginning to rot, and this could suggest that the idea of fame may not be what everyone expects. The old tale of Snow White is also seen through this, as it is relatable how she is given the poisoned apple, which shows her making bad choices and decisions. So in the video it connotes to the absence of choice in fame.

The little girl within the music video has the enigma code which is attached to her and is plainly the idea that she characterises Katy’s younger self.

Who is she?

Why is she there?

We see the little girl mirrored with Katy Perry which connotes a connection between them. The colours in the little girls costume suggests her purity and innocence.

Close ups of the paparazzi, which shows an invasion of privacy and personal space. Their hats cast a shadow on their faces, which gives them a secret identity and them being anonymous. This can signify the negativity of the press.

Their faces seem threatening, and the way they are in a group can show how they all gang up on one person, showing how she might feel intimidated and closed off.

The creatures can represent her fans, as she loves them but sometimes they are just too much for her, and they get too devoted. They can also represent her fans that prevent her living her life in peace, and to make her own decisions.

The maze can represent how fame has created a metaphorical maze in which Katy is unable to break from. A never ending journey with twists and turns that sometimes are not good. However, she turns up in the middle of the maze and cannot get out. She is now stuck, but the little girl (connoting to be herself formally known to be) leads her out.

The prince has crossed fingers behind his back, which connotes unfaithfulness.

The relationships which come along with fame, would not know if they were real of fake. She wouldn’t know if they were with her because she’s famous or actually for her.

Crossed fingers can symbolise the breaking of a promise.

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Barthe’s Enigma Code

Narrative Theory in Music Videos