Semiotic analysis of a dialogue from Hérodias by Gustave Flaubert

Abstract

In this work we try to analyze a section from the story entitled « Héroidas » by Gustave Flaubert, within the methodological framework of Greimas’ semiotic analysis. Semiotic narrative and discurse will make possible to reveal the textual organization at two levels. At the superficial level, the analysis containing the dialogue between Hérode and Hérodias will let us define the relation between these two characters, to study the transformations and states which they are subjected to, and shed to light on their thematic roles as well as the thematic base of their narrative programmes. At the deeper level, based on the categorical oppositions, we shall able to picture the isotopy by which Hérodias is characterized.