Barthes Essays

In the article “Toys” (1957), Roland Barthes claims that modern toys are conditions children to gender roles they are expected to demonstrate. Barthes supports his claim by explaining that toys are imitations of everyday adult objects and comparing these toys to a wooden set of blocks that promotes creativity and durability. His purpose is to raise awareness about the myths of toys and the things they represent in order to make people reevaluate the types of toys that are best for child development. The intended audience is most likely people studying the subject of childhood development and are well educated because of the more serious tone and use of complicated words; parents may also have an interest in the article.

In the article “Photography and Electoral Appeal” (1957), Roland Barthes explains how the use of photography in elections and politics can be deceiving. Barthes supports his claim by giving specific examples of how the photographs can influence the views and decisions of voters. His purpose is to explain the deceptions present in photographs in order to educate voters. The intended audience is voters who will be viewing the politicians campaign. The tone of the essay is rather sophisticated and serious.

In the article “Ornamental Cookery” (1957), Roland Barthes discusses the mythical economics behind the ornamentation of cooking. Barthes supports his claim by giving specific examples of the things Elle does to make their dishes look elaborate and discussing the audience of Elle magazine and their expectations on what they can create. His purpose is to explain that the pictures presented in the magazine are a “cuisine of advertisement” in order to reveal that Elle has mislead people into what they believe they can create. Barthes uses descriptive words and targets his essay towards the readers of Elle, the working-class.

In the essay “Wine and Milk” (1957), Roland Barthes claims that wine is an importance part of the French