Dissertation. Sinopsis of Chapter 1: Film characters as agents of Ideology

Colour Key:
Selected example for analysis
Theorie of ideology

Chapter one introduces a parallel between concept of ideology, it’s key assets and working mechanism with chosen illustrative example of Lara Croft’s character in Tomb Raider (2001)

Key figures in defining what is ideology will be introduced and used throughout the essay, such as Karl Marx, for being a founder of concept of ideology, Althusser, for being one of the later thinkers who developed and refreshed understanding of ideology (also key source Ideology, a Short Introduction by Michael Freeden and SLavoj Zizek’s The Sublime Object of Ideology) .

Having provided the reader with base definition, paper would move to a simple allegory of ideology at work, using Andersen’s fairy tale “Emperors New Clothes” .   

It then draws parallel from weaver characters to Lara Croft, briefly, justifying the choice by introducing facts on phenomenon success of the created character. This will illustrate the following point of ideology’s working principle, creating and sustaining ideological field, disseminating the ideas.

Naturally occurring question will be what could be the ideas this film and character is proposing : a discussion of C. Herbst’s interpreted  meaning the character carries will be elaborated by first of all analyzing illustrations, introducing it’s messages, and discussing the superficiality on which ideology relies when creating the meaning.

Secondly,  it would move to comparing with earlier meanings , and considering the wider context of the made interpretation together with discussing ideology’s need to constantly renew itself so it stays an inclusive and transparent aspect of life.

Third point would be to suggest the affects on receiver’s psychology and following actions to what a wider conclusion of ideologies at work primer and key aim would be stated.

To reach chapter’s conclusion key aspects of ideologies as tools for drawing monolithic illusory view on world and identity, which is very difficult to be aware of.  Also an aspect of it being an ephemeral structure, fragile to introduction of facts  and  more importantly critical deconstruction. It would lead the chapter to its conclusion and smooth transition to postmodern deconstruction.