Levi Strauss' Binary Opposites Theory

Levi Strauss created a theory of binary opposites that occurs in most films, books and other media texts. Binary opposites are used to display contrast to make the plot more interesting. Binary Opposites usually consists of 2 opposite stereotypes such as:

• Good vs Evil

• Independent vs Dependent

• Young vs Old

• Man vs Woman

Case Study - Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

SPOILER ALERT!!

In this movie, a lot of binary opposites can be seen which shows contrast and all of these binary opposites has meanings attached to them. Some examples are:

• Good vs Evil / Protagonist vs Antagonist - The main plot of this movie is that Thor is on a mission to stop 'Gorr the God Butcher' from killing more gods, including Thor himself. In this case, Thor is the hero/protagonist. This is shown by his bright, colorful clothings and him having good relationships with people who also look up to him while Gorr is portrayed as dark, uses dark clothing and is lacking expressions which unquestionably suggests that he is the villain/antagonist.

• Human vs God - Jane Foster acquires the powers of the Mjölnir, Thor Odinson's former hammer, and becomes 'The Mighty Thor'. Unlike Thor Odinson, who is a god, she is just an ordinary human.

• Safety vs Danger - Jane Foster was forced to make a quick decision of staying at the hospital to rest and not let her cancer worsen or helping Thor in his fight against Gorr. In the end she chose danger and fought alongside Thor.