How does 'The Birds' by Alfred Hitchcock conform to or subvert the narrative theories of Todorov and Propp?

Firstly outlined in the opening scene is our protagonist or, based on the theory of Propp our ‘hero’. Unconventionally however, our hero challenges the typical conventions outlined in Propp’s theory, as she is female, and the romantic chase is actually for a ‘prince’ rather a ‘princess’. Some may argue that it is the male dominant character that is the hero as he suits the conventions, however the theory states the hero is found as being on a ‘quest’ or ‘pursuit’ thus proving that it is the female protagonist that is the hero, as initially her pursuit was to take lovebirds to the sister of the prince, in order to gain a reward. The villain is clearly shown in ‘The Birds’ as obviously, the birds, as they attack, and prevent the hero on her journey. There is no clear father, or dispatcher in the film, however, it could be argued that the hero’s mother plays both these parts, as, at the climax it is the mother whom sends the hero on her task of saving the school children and it is the mother who rewards the hero with her son, the prince. Similarly there is no clear donor, however, you could say that ‘Annie’ clearly the helper, as she helps the hero to save the children, could be seen as the donor, as she seems to give the hero a knowledge that brings her closer to the prince, aiding her on her journey. Finally, is the false hero, I do not believe that there is a clear false hero in this film, however, I do feel that ‘Annie’ the helper does initially show signs of being a false hero, as she seems to show some feelings towards the prince. This leads me to believe that Hitchcock has played with the conventions of Propps theory to enhance the theatrical elements of his film, making it more intriguing.

Todorov’s theory however seems much more fitting with ‘The Birds’ as, the film begins with a typical calm atmosphere. Although there is a quite discomfort in opening credits of the birds squawking and the opening shots of birds flying, this is merely foreshadowing of the disequilibrium to come.  There is a small discomfort in the fact that the hero and prince have a small argument, however, this kind of converse doesn’t seem to uncomfortable for the hero, meaning there isn’t any clear discomfort, and it is still fitting with Todorov’s theory. On the hero’s quest there is then a typical ‘disruption’ that marks the beginning of the disequilibrium, which begins with a bird biting the head of the hero, making her bleed out, this imagery signifies the beginning of the disequilibrium. The disequilibrium in the play, is the most climatic part; when they are stuck inside the house with the birds attacking. Later however, the hero and the others overcome this and the situation begins to repair, creating a new equilibrium or typically a ‘happy ending’.

Researching Narrative Theories

Vladimir Propp

Propp researched into the typical structure of a folk tale, or more commonly known a ‘fairytale’. Propp did this by analyzing over 100 tales which allowed him to conclude on one main theory depicting the typical structure of a tale. The theory highlighted the typical characters seen in each tale that allowed the story to unfold, each 8 typical characters had a role within the tale that shaped the outcome of the novel, and this can still be seen in films and novels today.  These characters were:

The hero: this typically is the protagonist of the novel, and is known for saving the princess or town.

      The villain: this is the evil character of the novel that fights against the hero preventing the happy outcome.

      The princess: typically the princess is a prize for the hero when he has overcome his quest and won against the villain.

      The dispatcher: this is the person who sends the hero on his quest, or, at times makes the hero aware of some kind of absence that leads him on his quest.

      The father: it was noted that Propp could not clearly distinguish the functions of both the father and the princess, as at time their intentions may overlap meaning- at times the father may be the reason for the hero’s quest, and at times may be the reward similarly to the princess.

      The helper: typically the helper would be magical in some way and will help the hero on his quest.

      The donor: will give something to the hero that will help him on his quest.

      False hero: this is the typically other male character that will try to reap the hero’s reward (the princess).

For example these characters can still be seen in films today, such as, Shrek 2:

The hero: Shrek

The villain: Fairy God Mother

The princess: Fiona

The dispatcher: Fiona’s Father

The father: Also the dispatcher

The helper: Donkey

The donor: Puss in boots

False Hero: Prince charming

Tzvetan Todorov

Todorov researched into the typical structure of a tale. This allowed him to conclude one theory that shapes the beginning middle and end of a novel typically seen, although concise and simple, it is still seen in films today. Todorov believed there were 5 typical stages within a novel, or now, film.

        A stable equilibrium: this meant that the setting is usual and comfortable for the characters, and implies that there is a comfortable calm within the novel/film.

        A disruption: this is a part in the novel where something bad or different may happen that causes a change in atmosphere leading to the climax of the next stage.

         Disequilibrium: this is the most climatic part of the novel or film as it is when there is a big event that creates a complete change in atmosphere that may cause fear or sadness, completely contrasting with the beginning of the film/novel.

         Repairing the disequilibrium: An attempt to repair the disruption and bring back some kind of normality, repairing the damage of the disequilibrium.

         A new equilibrium: this is the typical happy ending that shows a new happy, or comfortable state of equilibrium.

Below is a graph that shows the changing state of the equilibrium and the stages: