Basic Structure
The Greimas Square is a model based on relationships:
| Structure | Relationship Type | Relationship Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Complex | Contrary | S1 + S2 |
| Neutral | Contrary | ~S2 + ~S1 |
| Schema 1 | Contradiction | S1 + ~S1 |
| Schema 2 | Contradiction | S2 + ~S2 |
| Deixes 1 | Implication | ~S2 + S1 |
| Deixes 2 | Implication | ~S1 + S2 |
- S1 = positive seme
- S2 = negative seme
- S = complex axis (S1 + S2)
- ~S = neutral axis (neither S1 nor S2)
The Semiotic Square is formed by an initial binary relationship between two contrary signs. S1 is considered to be the assertion/positive element and S2 is the negation/negative element in the binary pair:
The second binary relationship is now created on the ~S axis. ~S1 is considered to be the complex term, and ~S2 is the neutral term. This is where the principle of difference is brought into play: every element in a system is defined by its differences from the other elements.
In most modes of interpretation, the S-axis is a hyponym of the ~S-axis. The ~S1 element combines aspects of S1 and S2 and is also contradictory to S1. The ~S2 element contains aspects of neither S1 nor S2.
Finally, the ~S2 element can be identified. Considered to be "always the most critical position and the one that remains open or empty the longest time, for its identification completes the process and in that sense constitutes the most creative act of the construction.".
Read more about this topic: Semiotic Square
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