This essay is about using a semiotic angle to evaluate the existence and activities of a soldier and a revolutionary in a stratified manner.
The most common definitional difference between a soldier and a revolutionary is that a soldier is a person who serves in an army and obeys orders given to him by a government, and a revolutionary is someone who is involved in causing a complete or dramatic change in a society, country or in the international sphere. My concern, here, is the projection of a soldier who is a part of a national government and a revolutionary in both national and international sphere. The word ‘soldier' is used, almost unanimously, in a positive sense. But the word ‘revolutionary' is used in both positive and negative sense. The reason is, a soldier is always on the government's side, whereas a revolutionary stands against the government. I am not here taking into account the notion of ‘government-in-exile' as I am, here, dealing with a country's electorally elected government, and a government-in-exile is also a revolutionary government or organization and it stands on the opposite side of an electorally elected government.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The Soldier and The Revolutionary
- Introduction
- Visual Myth
- Uniform
- Arm Bands and Flag
- Plain Clothes
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text examines the contrasting identities of soldiers and revolutionaries, focusing on the visual mythologies that distinguish them. The author explores how these figures are perceived and constructed through symbols and visual representations.
- Visual Representation of Soldiers and Revolutionaries
- The Role of Uniform in Identity Formation
- The Power of Symbols and Visual Mythologies
- The Relationship Between Meaning and Form
- The Concept of Governmentality and its Influence
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The Soldier and The Revolutionary: This chapter establishes the core concept of the visual myth and its role in shaping perceptions of soldiers and revolutionaries. It contrasts the soldier's allegiance to government and the revolutionary's opposition, highlighting the potential for both positive and negative connotations associated with each term.
- Visual Myth: This chapter delves deeper into the visual elements that contribute to the mythologies surrounding soldiers and revolutionaries. The author analyzes the significance of uniforms, arm bands, flags, and plain clothes as indicators of identity, responsibility, and belonging.
- Uniform: This section focuses on the role of uniform as a form of governmentality, shaping the soldier's identity and presenting a predetermined image. The author argues that uniforms impoverish meaning while simultaneously creating a new identity for the wearer.
- Arm Bands and Flag: This section examines how arm bands and flags serve as further layers of meaning and distinction. Arm bands represent specific responsibilities, while flags signify a broader sense of collective identity and purpose.
- Plain Clothes: This section explores the significance of plain clothes in the context of revolution. The author argues that plain clothes represent the natural state of the individual, resisting the imposition of governmentality and signifying the urgency of the revolutionary cause.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This text explores themes of identity, visual representation, governmentality, revolution, symbolism, and the contrasting figures of the soldier and the revolutionary. It analyzes the power of visual mythologies and how they influence our perceptions of these individuals. Key concepts include form, meaning, and the interaction between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a soldier and a revolutionary in this essay?
A soldier is defined as someone serving an elected government and obeying orders, while a revolutionary seeks dramatic social or political change, often standing against the established government.
How does the essay analyze the concept of "Uniform"?
The uniform is viewed as a form of "governmentality" that shapes identity and presents a predetermined image, which can simultaneously create a new identity but impoverish individual meaning.
What is the semiotic significance of "Plain Clothes" for a revolutionary?
Plain clothes represent the natural state of the individual and a resistance to government control, signifying the urgency and grassroots nature of the revolutionary cause.
Why does the word 'revolutionary' have both positive and negative connotations?
Because a revolutionary opposes the status quo; depending on one's political perspective, they can be seen as a hero of change or a threat to stability, unlike the soldier who is generally viewed positively as a protector of the state.
What role do flags and armbands play in this visual mythology?
Flags signify a broader collective identity and purpose, while armbands are used as specific symbols of responsibility and distinction within a group's hierarchy.
- Quote paper
- Sayantan Dasgupta (Author), 2017, The Soldier and The Revolutionary. From a Semiotic Angle, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/365263
