The Representation of Humanity Values in Spielberg’s War Horse: A Roland Barthes Semiotic Analysis

Abstract

This research analyzes the representation of humanity values and anti-war messages in Steven Spielberg's film War Horse (2011). Employing a qualitative method with an interpretative paradigm, the study utilizes Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis to deconstruct signs, denotations, connotations, and myths within selected scenes that depict acts of humanity amidst the backdrop of World War I. The theoretical framework for humanity values is based on Peterson and Seligman's (2004) classification of character strengths which includes love, kindness, and social intelligence. The findings reveal that humanity values such as affection, loyalty, kindness, and social intelligence endure even under extreme wartime conditions, often manifesting in unique and context-specific ways that differ from peacetime norms. The film conveys its anti-war message powerfully through the innocent perspective of the horse, Joey, highlighting the futility of conflict, its devastating cost on all living beings, and the indiscriminate nature of its suffering. The study concludes that War Horse serves as a poignant cinematic narrative that underscores the enduring persistence of humanity values amid chaos and effectively critiques the absurdity and tragedy of war.