{"product_id":"the-semiotics-of-clowns-and-clowning-paul-bouissac","title":"The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning: Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter","description":"\u003ctable class=\"plain centered\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9781472532787\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBloomsbury Academic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePublication date:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e07\/16\/2015\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSeries:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBloomsbury Advances in Semiotics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePages:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e232\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSales rank:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e437,209\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct dimensions:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\nDuring the last 300 years circus clowns have emerged as powerful cultural icons. This is the first semiotic analysis of the range of make-up and costumes through which the clowns' performing identities have been established and go on developing. It also examines what Bouissac terms 'micronarratives' - narrative meanings that clowns generate through their acts, dialogues and gestures. Putting a repertory of clown performances under the semiotic microscope leads to the conclusion that the performances are all interconnected and come from what might be termed a 'mythical matrix'. These micronarratives replicate in context-sensitive forms a master narrative whose general theme refers to the emergence of cultures and constraints that they place upon instinctual behaviour. From this vantage point, each performance can be considered as a ritual which re-enacts the primitive violence inherent in all cultures and the temporary resolutions which must be negotiated as the outcome. Why do these acts of transgression and re-integration then trigger laughter and wonder? What kind of mirror does this put up to society? In a masterful semiotic analysis, Bouissac delves into decades of research to answer these questions.","brand":"Paul Bouissac","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48693790310691,"sku":"9781472532787","price":43.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0885\/5437\/3411\/files\/9781472532787_p0_v1_s600x595.jpg?v=1718573190","url":"https:\/\/glenthebookhouse.com\/products\/the-semiotics-of-clowns-and-clowning-paul-bouissac","provider":"BOOKDP4","version":"1.0","type":"link"}