The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning

Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology, Reference
Cover of the book The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac ISBN: 9781472525086
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: May 28, 2015
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author: Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
ISBN: 9781472525086
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: May 28, 2015
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

During the last 300 years circus clowns have emerged as powerful cultural icons. This is the first semiotic analysis of the range of make-up and costumes through which the clowns' performing identities have been established and go on developing. It also examines what Bouissac terms 'micronarratives' - narrative meanings that clowns generate through their acts, dialogues and gestures.

Putting a repertory of clown performances under the semiotic microscope leads to the conclusion that the performances are all interconnected and come from what might be termed a 'mythical matrix'. These micronarratives replicate in context-sensitive forms a master narrative whose general theme refers to the emergence of cultures and constraints that they place upon instinctual behaviour.

From this vantage point, each performance can be considered as a ritual which re-enacts the primitive violence inherent in all cultures and the temporary resolutions which must be negotiated as the outcome. Why do these acts of transgression and re-integration then trigger laughter and wonder? What kind of mirror does this put up to society? In a masterful semiotic analysis, Bouissac delves into decades of research to answer these questions.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

During the last 300 years circus clowns have emerged as powerful cultural icons. This is the first semiotic analysis of the range of make-up and costumes through which the clowns' performing identities have been established and go on developing. It also examines what Bouissac terms 'micronarratives' - narrative meanings that clowns generate through their acts, dialogues and gestures.

Putting a repertory of clown performances under the semiotic microscope leads to the conclusion that the performances are all interconnected and come from what might be termed a 'mythical matrix'. These micronarratives replicate in context-sensitive forms a master narrative whose general theme refers to the emergence of cultures and constraints that they place upon instinctual behaviour.

From this vantage point, each performance can be considered as a ritual which re-enacts the primitive violence inherent in all cultures and the temporary resolutions which must be negotiated as the outcome. Why do these acts of transgression and re-integration then trigger laughter and wonder? What kind of mirror does this put up to society? In a masterful semiotic analysis, Bouissac delves into decades of research to answer these questions.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book How Do You Do? by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book George Orwell and Religion by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Land Matters by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Making Sovereign Financing and Human Rights Work by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book The Life of Bertrand Russell by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Women, Poverty, Equality by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Aristotle by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Sun Child by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Pilgrims Way by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Rebuilding Babel by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book The Play That Goes Wrong by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Women's Experimental Writing by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book The Origins of the Second World War: An International Perspective by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Christians by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
Cover of the book Karl Barth: Post-Holocaust Theologian? by Professor Emeritus Paul Bouissac
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy