Discussion about Structuralism

Read this short structuralist analysis (*see below*) Add to this structural analysis with additional insights, and pose a question about their conclusions from a structuralist perspective. For example, imagine what else these theorists might see and what questions they might have for the analysis. Structuralist analysis: I recently begun reading C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe to my two daughters. Lewis’ writings have struck me as more straight forward with a little whimsy. By using a structural analysis, one can extrapolate the exact meanings of Lewis’ composition. This literal examination focuses on the words used and seeks patterns within the used words. By removing all societal signs and external influences, structural analysis strips away the extemporaneous layers revealing the message conveyed beneath. An excerpt from the text reads: “He was only a little taller than Lucy herself and he carried over his head an umbrella, white with snow. From the waist upward he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat’s (the hair on them was glossy black) and instead of feet he had goat’s hoofs. He also had a tail, but Lucy did not notice this at first because it was neatly caught up over the arm that held the umbrella so as to keep it from trailing in the snow” (Lewis 10). This depiction of a Faun named Tumnus is the first description of the story’s characters residing in a mythical land called Narnia. The male pronouns he and his are used seven times in total. The character Lucy is mentioned by name twice as she is the party observing the Faun. His lower extremity is compared to that of a goad and references the word goat twice. He also has black hair covering his legs. Lewis paints a vivid picture of one of the most pivotal characters in the book. While the description is short, a quick structural analysis proves incredibly effective.