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Title Covalent Narratives: Exploring Thematic Resonance via Visual Elements in Selected Animated Documentaries

Author(s) Rida e Ayesha Qazi

Abstract This study focused on the selected animated documentaries Funan (2017) and The Breadwinner (2018), with the goal of investigating the affective and cognitive effects of ‘covalent narratives’ in animated documentaries. The study examined how narrative and visual symbolic acts could improve audience involvement and the story’s thematic depth by fusing Roland Barthes' theory of semiotic codes with Mieke Bal's concept of narrative focalization. The analysis focused on elements such as perspective, character development, and narrative structure, with the aim to explore how these texts’ narrative and visual approaches add to the emotive resonance and thematic depth within the genre of animated documentaries. The significance of this study lies in its potential to bridge gaps in existing research, particularly in the context of animated documentaries as a way to gain a better understanding of how narrative and visual strategies impacted emotive qualities and cognitive responses, ultimately enhancing the storytelling power of animated films with regard to themes like identity, resistance, and cultural oppression. The study's conclusions demonstrate that animation is a creative medium that improves thematic depth and emotional resonance in documentary storytelling, in addition to being an aesthetic option. The Breadwinner and Funan successfully captivated audiences with complex depictions of tragedy, resilience, and cultural identity through the use of focalization and symbolic language. The idea of "covalent narratives" brought to light the dynamic interaction between artistic depiction and factual substance, illustrating how animation enables a more nuanced and personal comprehension of oppressed human situations. By highlighting the importance of semiotic cues like attire, color, and location in expressing identity and surviving, the study strengthened the emotional effect of the films. This study added to current academic discussions by demonstrating how animated documentaries are powerful mediums for memory, resistance, and sociopolitical commentary.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2025-09-30

Subject English Literature

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