Signifiers and Signified
Signifier: a sign's physical form (such as a sound, printed word, or image) as distinct from its meaning
Signified: the meaning or idea expressed by a sign, as distinct from the physical form in which it is expressed
I recently watched the film “Terminator” and spotted several signifiers which I believe signify biblical ideas about the birth of Christ. The story of the Terminator saga is centered around the conception and later protection of a young man named John Connor. It has been prophesized that he will save the human race from extinction at the hands of evil robots.
The first signifier is Kyle Reese who travels back in time to Tell Sarah Connor she will give birth to humanities savior. I believe Kyle Signifies the Archangel Gabriel who supposedly came down from Heaven to tell Mary she would give birth to the savior of mankind.
The Second signifier is Sarah Connor. I believe she signifies Mary, she gives birth to the child after copulating with a man from the future who no one later believe existed. Johns conception could be seen to be immaculate since he has no father.
The final signifier is the child’s name, John Connor. He bears the same initials as Jesus Christ. He is obviously destined to be a hero and this signifies his messiah like status.
References:
http://oxforddictionaries.com Oxford University Press.2011
“The Terminator” Dir. James Cameron. Orion Pictures.1984
