Semiotic Analysis of Denotation and Connotation in the Movie “The Boy In The Striped Pajamas” Using Roland Barthes’ Framework

Abstract

Semiotics is a scientific study or method of analysis used to examine signs in a context of scenarios, images, texts, and scenes in movies into something that can be interpreted. In this qualitative research, the researchers will examine Roland Barthes’ semiotic analysis with a focus on the difference between denotative meaning (literal meaning) and connotative (deeper or implied meaning) in the representation of visual and verbal symbols in the movie. By examining visual and verbal symbols, such as striped pajamas and barbed wire fences, the research reveals themes of oppression, social inequality, and innocence. The qualitative method includes repeated viewing and detailed note-taking of symbolic elements. This analysis provides insights into how visual media communicates complex historical trauma and moral messages. This movie tells about the friendship between a boy who is the son of the leader of the Nazi armed forces and a boy who is a prisoner living in a concentration camp. This study found that there are 7 elements contained in the film such as the cover, Bruno's family home, concentration camp, striped pajamas, numbers on pajamas, wire fences, and also the friendship between Bruno and Shmuel which illustrate the historical conditions at that time and also reflect the themes of oppression, social differences, injustice, and innocence. The results of this study are expected to deepen the understanding of the use of visual and verbal symbols in film as a tool to convey ideology and cultural insights, as well as moral messages.

Keywords: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas; semiotic analysis; denotation; connotation