Barthes expresses the idea of symbols in both “Eiffel Tower” and mythologies; mainly the idea that the actual physical symbols we are presented are not as meaningful as the value we give them. The symbol is only as good as what it represents, (regardless of what it is.) Take the Eifel Tower itself, a piece of architecture that serves no purpose, has no function other than to just stand there and be stared at. Despite being literally “good-for-nothing,” Barthes states (with good reason) that “There is no journey to France which isn’t made in the Tower’s name, no schoolbook, poster or film about France which fails to propose it as the major sign of a people and of a place.” (Eiffel Tower pg4)  As human beings, we need to find a deeper connection with things. It reminds me a lot of when you hear of people finding Jesus’ face in their toast, or a human face in the rock formations on Mars, or even when a child deeply cares for his blanket. In those cases, toast, rocks and blankets are given meaning that go beyond what they were created for.  It’s not enough to just have this great big inanimate object stand there for seemingly no reason; we must love it, or at least assume it loves us as the Tower is the face of France and “the Tower is friendly.” (Eiffel Tower pg3)  Barthes notions that the fact that it can be seen anywhere in Paris gives the people watching it a sort of connection with each other. I agree. Lovers, friends and family can be separated for miles and still look up at the Tower and wonder if the other is too. It’s not just some big over glorified look out tower; seeing it every day could inspire a sense of identity for its people, which is then translated to the rest of the world when they think of France.

 

Similarly with “Mythologies,” Barthes analyzes the symbol of a political picture and the meaning that potential voters give the photograph. Prospective winners of each election use the human need for connection as a weapon in their campaigns. It’s the reason why every political ad one sees paints the candidate as an “everyman/woman.” People want to vote for what they see in themselves. If their worried about the future, the candidate picture will reflect that, with a stern face staring off into the distance, as if looking forward towards a better tomorrow. The picture that best represents who the voter is inside, or what the voter fears or wants will be the candidate the voter chooses to be represented by. The picture symbolizes the voter himself, and how he would act given the position.