A Structural Study of The Western (Macro features)

(Will Wright Sixguns and Society: A structural study of the Western, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1975.)

Wright says that the Western has gone, primarily, through three stages of evolution; the 'classic' Western which also includes the variation of the 'vengeance' Western, the 'transition theme' Western and the 'professional' Western. Despite showing that this particular genre has these three different types Wright believes that all have a similar set of basic structuring oppositions:

inside society/outside society

good/bad

strong/weak

civilisation/wilderness

(Will Wright Sixguns and Society: A structural study of the Western, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1975.)

With the binary oppositions structure set and in place, Wright then goes on to suggest that it is not only the structural features that should be considered, he says that the narrative structure should be analysed also.

The 'classic' Western for example is divided into sixteen narrative 'functions':

1.The hero enters a social group.

2.The hero is unknown to society.

3.The hero is revealed to have an exceptional skill.

4.The society recognises a difference between themselves and the hero; the hero is given a special status.

5.The society does not completely accept the hero.

6.There is a conflict of interests between the villains and the society.

7.The villains are stronger than the society; the society is weak.

8.There is a strong friendship or respect between the hero and a villain.

9.The villains threaten the society.

10.The hero avoids involvement in the conflict.

11.The villains endanger a friend of the hero.

12.The hero fights the villains.

13.The hero defeats the villains.

14.The society is safe.

15.The society accepts the hero.

16.The hero loses or gives up his special status.

(Will Wright Sixguns and Society: A structural study of the Western,

Berkeley: University of California Press, 1975.)