Qualifying test
المؤلف:
Bronwen Martin and Felizitas Ringham
المصدر:
Dictionary of Semiotics
الجزء والصفحة:
P106
2025-06-25
374
Qualifying test
This is the stage in the canonical narrative schema at which competence is acquired. By competence is meant the qualities that make it possible to carry out an action successfully. These qualities are known as the modalities. They are in the first instance:
a wanting-to-do (vouloir Jaire) and/or (b) a having-to-do (devoir Jaire)
In order to perform an action, the subject must initially desire to act, or feel under an obligation to act. These modalities are usually acquired at the opening stage of the contract/manipulation: they are subsequently manifested (and sometimes challenged) in the qualifying test. James Bond, for example, has been ordered to steal some secret plans (the contract). Embarking on this quest and planning the theft are a manifestation of his desire and represent part of the qualifying test.
The desire or obligation to act, however, is not in itself sufficient. The subject also needs to acquire a further qualification at this stage: it must be in possession of at least one of the following modalities:
(a) a being-able-to-do (pouvoir faire): If your object is to break into some premises (decisive test), then you must possess the necessary ability, that is, a key or some other means of entry. This will then become your helper. And/or you must possess:
(b) a knowing-how-to-do (savoir faire): Any means of illegal entry is of little value to you if you do not know how to use it. If you are sitting a French examination (decisive test) it is assumed that you have acquired the skills associated with learning French (the qualifying test). If your goal is to find the hidden treasure on a desert island, the qualifying test could take the form of a sea voyage. It could also be represented in episodes where maps of the hidden treasure are acquired. If the subject fails in the qualifying test (e.g., the ship sinks), then the quest is terminated. In Cinderella, the fairy godmother functions as helper to provide the young girl with the necessary competence (clothes, coach) enabling her to fulfil her dreams and go to the ball (decisive test).
See also canonical narrative schema.
الاكثر قراءة في Semiotics
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