Watson’s cane
|
connection to the
past
|
Watson running
without the cane
|
Breaking free from
the past
|
Watson’s blog
|
Recovery from PTSD
|
“nothing happens to
me”
|
Watson’s depressed
life
|
Sherlock’s/Watson’s
flat
|
Sherlock’s quick
decision making
|
Flashing signs during
chase
|
Watson’s
transformation
|
Sherlock’s brother
|
The untrustworthy
government
|
A Study in Pink is
an excellent example of semiotics on television. This episode is full of
metaphors, especially when it comes to Dr. Watson. The main metaphor associated
with Dr. Watson is his cane. Early in the episode it is viewed as a necessity
for him to get around and rehab his battle wound. As the story progresses and
becomes more exciting, he spontaneously starts running without his cane. This
indicates that his wound was more mental than physical. As he “breaks free”
from the cane, this also seems to be the first time that Watson appears to be
truly happy as he is running with a smile on his face. Also in this scene while
they are running, there are flashing street signs shown. At one point, Watson
stops before jumping from one roof top to another and a caution sign is shown.
He pauses briefly and then jumps. This is a metaphor for Watson’s psychological
transformation.
Sherlock himself is also associated with metaphors. His
character is a metaphor for young, energetic thinking while the police become
metaphors for traditional and institutional thinking. This is portrayed as incompetence.
Another major metaphor with Sherlock is his flat that is shared with Watson.
This is a metaphor for his spontaneous thought and decision making and also Watson’s
intrigue and willingness and blind trust.
Finally, the relationship between Sherlock and his brother
is a metaphor. His brother, represents the government while Sherlock represents
the free thinking population. There is also a sense of good versus evil hinting
that the government, or his brother, may become an evil force later in the
series. Listed above is a chart indicating some of the metaphors that I have
mentioned.
The line I highlighted that is not entirely correct. Semiotics is theory. It's how, as media scholars look at the media... a lens of sorts. Don't make lofty statements. And avoid saying, This episode is full of metaphors....
ReplyDeleteIt's about incorporating the terminology and explaining. What is semiotics? Why is this show a good example? And Sherlock himself is also associated with metaphors... that is a confusing statement. How so? Is Sherlock A metaphor? When writing your paper make sure you don't keep saying this is a metaphor for this... maybe make a table and then talk about the SIGNIFICANCE of those metaphors.
Redoing your last paragraph. I think you need to rethink what you think a metaphor is. it hints at metaphor but it's really a paradigm relationship.
"Finally, the relationship between Sherlock and his brother shows the struggle between government and the free thinking population (I'm not sure a correct term but I'll go with this for now..). The paradigm that this relationship shows is how some people may perceive that the government is not out for the interest of the greater good whereas, Sherlock is fighting for justice and truth.
I like your observations of the psychological transformation Watson goes through. It was interesting to see it develop this way in the TV Series versus the latest Robert Downey Jr. remake where Watson keeps his limp, his "weakness".
ReplyDeleteYour blind trust analysis is definitely something to think about. I like that view point. I didn't see that deeply enough until now that you make mention of it. I often feel that men in general are much more logical and don't necessarily have trust issues. - Very nice element for further research on my part. Thank you.
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