Todorov's Theory
Tzvetan Todorov's narrative theory suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure where they begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored.
these are the steps for all traditional stories
1. Equilibrium (everything is as it should be)
2. Disruption (by an event)
3. Recognition of disruption
4. Attempts to repair disruption
5. return to equilibrium
'Blank Space' by Taylor swift conveys Todorov's narrative theory.
The equilibrium in this music video is everything is perfect with this newly couple and they are in the honeymoon stage of the relationship. Then the main character played by Taylor swift starts noticing her lover is interested in other woman which then create disequilibrium within the story-line. as the couple have a beastly brake-up. Towards the end of the music video once Taylor has gotten rid of her cheating boyfriend a new man comes into the picture with new hart felt intentions for Taylor which is the new equilibrium of the music video.
A music video that Todorov's theory does not apply is the Lumineers 'Hey ho' which has no equilibrium to begin with therefore there cant be an disequilibrium or new equilibrium .
