AI Barthes?
In a previous post I asked ChatGPT to analyze semiotically the famous image of Kate Middleton with her children, published on Instagram and considered that it was retouched or whatever. The answer, as expected, was generic and though it included some interesting hints for starting a semiotic analysis, it was mostly descriptive [You may still post an evaluation on the outcome of this experiment].
Considering that the persons in that photo are members of the royal family of the UK, I remembered the relevant passages in Roland Barthes’ Mythologies, a book published in mid-1950s which paved the way to the semiotics of everyday life, to the semiotics of connotation, and to a host of later works by major figures in the field of semiotics.
In a small two-page passage entitled The ‘Blue Blood’ Cruise, he commented on the impact the Coronation of Elizabeth had upon the French, as well as the mythology of the royalty:
“kings have a superhuman essence, and when they temporarily borrow certain forms of democratic life, it can only be through an incarnation which goes against nature, made possible through condescension alone…” [1]
Would such ideas be possibly included in an answer of ChatGPT, when prompted about the identity of the depicted participants within the image, reminded of the work by Roland Barthes, and asked to keep the style of Barthes as well? I gave it a try:
Now, taking into account that is the image of the Princes of Wales with her children, would you provide a semiotic analysis based on the idea of “Mythologies” presented by Roland Barthes? In fact, I would like your answer to keep the narrative tone of Roland Barthes’ semiotic texts.
ChatGPT: In the realm of visual semiotics as explored by Roland Barthes, the image of the Princess of Wales and her children becomes a fertile ground for unpacking the mythologies embedded within its visual cues. Barthes might observe this photograph not merely as a familial portrait, but as a rich tapestry woven with the signs of royalty adapted to the modern ethos of approachability and informality.
The Naturalization of Royalty: At first glance, the image presents itself as a simple capture of familial joy — a mother with her children, sharing a moment of laughter in a serene garden. Yet, this is no ordinary family; this is a picture of royalty, which carries with it a dense network of historical weight and public fascination. By appearing in casual, everyday attire and engaging in an apparently spontaneous embrace, the royals are placed within a frame of normalcy. This normalization is a myth; it transforms the extraordinary (royalty) into the ordinary (a common family scene), thereby making the institution of monarchy appear seamlessly integrated into the fabric of everyday life.
The Fashioned Spontaneity: The attire is carefully chosen, a blend of casual yet tasteful clothes that suggest both accessibility and understated elegance. Barthes might argue that this choice of clothing serves to bridge the gap between the regal and the relatable. The informal fashion becomes a signifier, a democratizing force that mitigates the distance between the viewer and the viewed. This is the myth of the ‘people’s royalty’ — monarchs who live and dress like their subjects, yet who, by virtue of this very portrayal, reiterate their special status.
The Staged Informality: In this image, the spontaneity is both real and constructed. The smiles, the relaxed postures, the garden setting — all are elements that might occur in any family’s photo album. However, in the context of royal imagery, these elements are carefully curated to produce an effect: the effect of normalcy. Barthes would suggest that this staged informality is a sign that works to disarm and charm; it invites the public into a seemingly private moment, thereby crafting a narrative of openness and warmth.
The Garden as Eden: The setting in a garden, lush and verdant, evokes the Edenic myth — a paradise where simplicity and purity reign. This not only reinforces the naturalness and wholesomeness of the family but also symbolically aligns them with environmental consciousness, an increasingly pivotal aspect of contemporary royal duties and public image.
The Embrace of Future Kings: Barthes might also be intrigued by the positioning of the children, particularly the boys who are direct heirs to the throne. Their placement and demeanor in the photo do not just speak of youthful exuberance but also subtly prepare the public for their future roles. This is the myth of continuity and heritage, where the young princes are both part of a lineage and individual personalities being shaped in the public eye.
In conclusion, through the lens of Barthes’ semiotic analysis, this image is a meticulously crafted narrative device. It creates and disseminates a mythology of modern monarchy — approachable, relatable, yet subtly underscored by the continuous power of tradition and the timeless allure of royalty. It turns the royal family into both a spectacle and a mirror, reflecting back an image of society’s own evolving values around leadership, family, and public life.
Not bad for a beginning, eh? What do you think? Post your evaluation of the answer at the comments.
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[1] Roland Barthes (1957/1972), Mythologies, Selected and Translated from the French by Annette Lavers, The Noonday Press — New York; Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
