Q/A: A Semiotic Deconstruction of Narrative Transportation on Episodic Television

Narrative transportation is a captivating phenomenon in which an audience member psychologically departs from material reality and immerses into the narrative world (Gerrig, 1993). Existing literature on narrative transportation mostly consists of audience-level studies, primarily focused on the phenomenon’s persuasive effects and audience attributes that mediate their ability to be transported. From a theoretical media perspective, transportation is conceived as an aspect of the larger audience cultivation process (Gerbner, 1998) due to its persuasive influence, revealing the importance of viewing it from the textual level. This thesis fills a significant gap in narrative transportation theory by examining television narratives through the semiotic perspective to inductively determine how their structural attributes coalesce to achieve transportation. The narratives of the third seasons of three exemplary comedy-drama televisual texts—Gilmore Girls (legacy broadcast), Girls (premium cable broadcast), and Grace and Frankie (streaming content)—were analyzed through a synthesis utilizing semiotic deconstruction (Barthes, 1974) and inspired by grounded theory (Straus & Corbin, 1990) to determine how television comedy-dramas invite transportation. Informed by previous literature on transportation and narrative, 47 episodes were coded for elements of causality, conflict, enigma, character, and setting to determine structural similarities that invite transportation through immersion and identification. Cultural myths (Barthes, 1957/2013) of autonomy, authenticity, fulfillment, and meritocracy were prevalent throughout these narratives. This study interrogated how these myths impacted immersion and identification. This study determined that comedy-drama television narratives invite transportation through a combination of enigmatic immersion and mythic identification. Enigma is realized as the driving force of narrative through binary relationships of question/answer and problem/solution. The constant posing of questions and problems immerses the viewer in a participatory process of extrapolating outcomes and origins. This places the viewer in a perpetual enigmatic middle state where no ultimate conclusion is reached and no complete origin is ever realized. Myth is present through the character embodiment of values and beliefs and enacted through conflict with antithetical characters. The alignment of mythic belief evokes identification with the characters and forms a coherent narrative world that operates under mythic understanding. The synthesis of binary, enigma, and myth results in a transportive experience of immersion and identification. This study demonstrates that semiotic deconstruction is a valuable tool in media research to gain insights into our complex relationship with the narrative worlds that engage and captivate us

Prospectus, August 4, 2010

COLLEGE FOR KIDS LENDS A LEARNING HAND; The so-called gap year between high school and college is just what some students need; Chuck Shepherd’s News of the Weird; Prospectus Pick: Inception; Growing number people growing their own groceries; Digital alarmists are wrong; Plugging a Web tax loophole; A Parkland student’s farewell; Climate change could affect migration to the U.S.; State Fair rides: Thrills, chills and chaos theory made real; Blogging tips for those who love to share their love of food; The past week in sports; Dorm do\u27s and don\u27tshttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2010/1018/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, September 14, 2011

DEADLY PURPLE HUES: THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE, Surgical Technology Program Celebrates 40 Years with Reception, Partners for Parkland 2011, Embracing Life After 9/11 - Phoenix Park, The Same Old Song?, China\u27s Spilled Secrets, College Student\u27s Helps Childhood Amputees, Chuck Shepherd\u27s News of the Weird, Students Face Travel Headwinds: Weak Dollar and Economy Crimp Trips, Internet Safety Tips with Buster Bytes, Fragmented Sleep May Impair Memory, Cobras International Athletes Shine, Behind the Scenes: Parkland Theatre (part two), A Talk with Anita Robinson of the band Viva Vocehttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2011/1011/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, August 25, 2010

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Prospectus, March 30, 2011

APRIL FOOLS\u27 ARTICLES A NO-GO THIS YEAR, Parkland Offers New Hip Course, New Rules in Effect on Campus, Chuck Shepherd\u27s News of the Weird, Album Review: Justin Bieber\u27s My World 2.0, Parkland President to Resign, Parkland Announces New Dress Code Policy, Fine Dining to Arrive at Parkland, Cyber-Clowning for College Credit!, End of the Line for Free Wireless, Chuck Shepherd\u27s News of the Weird, First Sims Medieval, Now Sims Halo?, New Mascot in the Works for Parklandhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2011/1000/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, July 27, 2011

CAPITAL FUNDING RELEASE ANNOUNCED, Survey Results to Influence Center Construction Designs, Marriage License Applications Now Accepted Online, Coming This Fall: Big Tuition Hikes, Parkland A Possibility for Closed Aviation Program, Langendorf Wins State Award, Hundreds Wed as N.Y. Becomes Sixth State to Recognize Same-Sex Marriage, Chuck Shepherd\u27s News of the Weird, The World\u27s Biggest Problem? Too Many People, Keyboards Not the Right Replacement for Cursive, Not Vaccinated? Not Acceptable, Alternatives to Selling Textbooks, The Case for Comic Books, Using Social Networking to Your Advantage, Finding Free Software for Your PC, How to End Your Summer Productively, Cobras Basketball Player Profiles, Neurological Study Set Up to Find Effects of Fighting on the Brain, A Word With Forrest Kline of Hellogoodbye, Pitchfork Music Festival 2011https://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2011/1008/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, April 20, 2011

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Prospectus, November 2, 2011

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Prospectus, November 30, 2011

A GUIDE TO SIGNING UP FOR CLASSES, Shoppers, Stores Go Mobile This Holiday Season, The Legacy of Eight Years of War, Veterans Returning to College Face Unique Challenges, Q & A With Parkland\u27s Student President, Students Prepare for Return to Seasonal Work, A Close Look at the Kindle and Nook, Weird Weather and the New Climate Reality, The High Price of Data Breaches, Cobras Women\u27s Basketball Start Season Strong, Album Review: Twin Atlantic\u27s Free, Ugly Sweater Snowdown: A Toys for Tots Benefit, Parkland Pops to Perform Summer in Winter Concert, Holiday Music Concert by Parkland Wind Ensemblehttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2011/1021/thumbnail.jp