Barthes Five Codes In The John Cheever’s Short Story The Enormous Radio: A Structural Analysis

Abstract

The study applies Roland Barthes' notion of five codes to present a structural analysis of John Cheever's 1947 short tale "The Enormous Radio" (hermeneutic, symbolic, semantic, proairetic and cultural code). Without these rules, a reader cannot comprehend the notion of the story. A reader may learn about the cultural and societal features of that period, the hidden background or meanings that the writer wishes to express, and the inconsistencies of the characters by using these codes. In his short narrative, John Cheever employs these codes in order for readers to grasp the heart of his work. The analysis concludes that the author established a delicate balance in the short narrative via the characteristics of Jim and Irene. The application of five codes in selected texts increases readers' aesthetic enjoyment as well as their knowledge of the text's genre and topics, according to the article.