The Meaning Behin Characters in Cartoon "Spongebob Squarepants" Essay

Words: 3736
Pages: 15

Abstract
The aim of this research is to observe the use of signs in each character in cartoon “Spongebob SquarePants”. The research is focused on analyzing traits and behaviors of each character in this cartoon which represented signs. This paper describes meanings behind characters in cartoon “Spongebob SquarePants”. In this cartoon, there are seven main characters which have special traits. The behaviors and traits are a sign which represent something hidden. This research was made based on two research question which are representation of seven deadly sins in every character in cartoon “Spongebob SquarePants” and how cartoon “Spongebob SquarePants” influence cultures and kids in Indonesia.
Introduction
Television programs for kids
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Those characters which have explained above reputed represented seven deadly sins. These cases will be explained in result. Theoretical Background
In semiotics, denotation and connotation are terms describing the relationship between the signifier and signified (Chandler, 2002: 140), and an analytic distinction is made between two types of signified: a denotative signified and a connotative signified. Meaning includes both denotation and connotation. Most signs have at least one normal, "common sense" meaning. This meaning, called the sign's denotation, is shared among many people and is the most widely used meaning of the sign. But signs also may have many different "subjective" meanings that arise from each individual's personal experiences. These are called the connotations of the sign. The denotation of a sign represents an agreement among a group of people that they will share that meaning of the sign among themselves. Meanings of this type are said to arise through social convention. A sign may have more than one denotation meaning. In cases when a person must choose one meaning from a number of options he or she looks to the context of the sign to make the decision.

The signifier is the sign that can consist of sound or image. The signified is the concept that explains the signifier. According to Chandler, ‘denotation’ tends to described as the definitional, ‘literal’, ‘obvious’ or ‘commonsense’ meaning of a