From Image Schema to

Metaphor in Discourse:
The FORCE Schemas in
Animation Films
Exploring how image schemas influence metaphor
in animation films, diving into the captivating
world of animation
Unlocking Image Schemas

Animation: A playground for 1

imagination and metaphor.

. 2 Metaphors we live by :
Primary Metaphors

Force schemas: Building blocks 3

of thought.
 Force Image Schemas in animation films
Death and The mother / The Hand

The Lion King / Frozen

1 Example: LIFE IS A 2 Example: Making an object

JOURNEY Metaphor Metaphor through the short animated film
through the animated short “The Hand”
film “Death and The
Mother”
Example: Making an Object
Example: LIFE IS A 4 metaphor through « Disney’s
3
JOURNEY Metaphor Frozen »
through “Disney’s The
lion king”
I - Animation: A playground for imagination and
metaphor
Introduction

The realm of animation provides a flexible and dynamic framework that defies
physical constraints and transcends the borders of reality ,creating mental
structures based on our lived experiences. These schemas, like "containment" or
"source-path-goal," act as building blocks for understanding the world.
Animators tap into these schemas, using movement, composition, and character
design to evoke emotions, convey abstract concepts, and tell impactful stories.
Employing image schemas namely Force schemas enables animators to go
beyond mere visuals, creating a deeper connection with the viewers' embodied
understanding, allowing them to resonate with the narrative on a subconscious
level. This powerful dance between animation and image schemas unlocks a
wealth of storytelling possibilities, making animation a unique and captivating
medium.
Introduction of Charles Forceville’s
article

In his insightful article, "From Image Schema to Metaphor in Discourse: The

FORCE Schemas in Animation Films," Charles Forceville embarks on a fascinating
exploration of how image schemas and metaphors animate meaning. He delves into
the world of animation, using films like "Death and The Mother" and "The Hand" to
illustrate his arguments.
Forceville goes beyond the literal sense , unveiling the notion of force as "motion."
This leads him to unveil two primary metaphors: "Life as a journey" and "Making an
object." These metaphors become dynamic landscapes, where various elements
merge to reveal multi-modal and animated scenes
Building on Forceville's foundation, this presentation will delve deeper into these
two key metaphors, exploring how they are portrayed in both short films like
"Death and The Mother" and "The Hand" as well as full-length features like Disney's
"The Lion King" and "Frozen." Prepare to embark on a journey where metaphors
come alive, and animation reveals its hidden depths.
 Metaphors we Live By : Primary
Metaphors

Johnson and Lackoff (1980) extend the concept of metaphors beyond its
literary confines, revealing their utmost prevalence in the tapestry of
everyday life. Their work delves into the reality of metaphors not just
as literary tools, but as fundamental building blocks of both written and
spoken discourse. Lackoff, particularly, focuses on the cognitive function
of language, highlighting the crucial role of "primary metaphors" as the
foundation upon which all others are constructed. This distinction leads
to a two-fold classification: primary and complex metaphors. For
instance, Grady's insightful model deconstructs the complex metaphor
"THEORIES ARE BUILDINGS" by revealing its underlying primary
metaphors. Unlike the traditional "Conceptual Metaphor Theory" (CMT)
that emphasizes the abstract versus concrete dichotomy, Grady's
approach recognizes the equal importance of both the target and source
domains.
 Force schemas: Building blocks of thought.

ENABLEMENT Compulsion

ATTRACTION Force
BLOCKAGE
Schemas
REMOVAL OF
RESTRAINT
COUNTERFORCE

DIVERSION
 The FORCE schemas are central to the way human beings conceive
of events – that is, to the ‘event structure metaphor’ (Lakoff 1993).
Basically, the event structure metaphor draws on the closely
related primary metaphors CHANGE IS MOTION and CAUSES ARE
FORCES. Since ACHIEVING GOALS and MAKING OBJECTS necessarily
involve change from one state to another, the FORCE schemas
unsurprisingly play a central role in the complex metaphors LONG-
TERM PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY IS SELF-PROPELLED MOTION TOWARD A
DESTINATION and LONG-TERM PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY IS MAKING AN
OBJECT. (Forceville,2017)
 The seven force schemas in Disney
films

BLOCKAGE. An agent or
entity is prevented from
COUNTERFORCE.
An agent or entity DIVERSION. An agent
COMPULSION. An agent or moving along the envisaged or entity collides
meets with a force
entity is pushed into a certain path by an obstacle, which with a force that
that exerts pressure
direction by external forces must be negotiated in one
on him/it, 6 hindering causes him/it to
way or another, e.g. by
that can be human as well as movement into the deviate from the
passing round it, climbing
non-human. over it, or destroying it.
planned direction intended course.
REMOVAL OF RESTRAINT.
ENABLEMENT. Some sort of ATTRACTION. An agent
A (potential) barrier or
internal or external force
blockage is eliminated, or entity is physically
provides the means for the
allowing for unhindered drawn towards an
agent or entity to move
movement to an agent or object or place.
into the desired direction
entity.
The Journey of Life: "Death and the
Mother"
"Death and the Mother" as a short animated film skillfully
employs a black-and-white palette to portray the life as a journey
schema. The movie echoes the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, who
believed that life is the "C" between "B" (birth) and "D" (death), with
"C" representing the ever-present element of choice. This concept is
intricately woven into the narrative of the film. The story initiates
with death's ominous arrival at the home of a mother who tirelessly
cares for her sickly daughter, symbolically depicting the fragile and
unpredictable nature of life. Thus , life is seen as a bridge that we
traverse, with each step leading us closer to the inevitable
destination. The idea of the journey is also exemplified through the
mother's desire to save her daughter from death. However,
surrendering her daughter to death might indicate a sense of
acceptance of fate. Therefore, acceptance is crucial when dealing
with life's unfortunate events. It is also worth mentioning that the
transition from youth to decay is meticulously depicted through the
character of death, who transforms himself into an old man to take
away the life of the child.
 Shaping Reality: "The Hand"
The construction of image schemas in animated films provides
insight into the subtle nuances of cognitive functions. In fact,
cognition is indeed essential in shaping our perception and
understanding of the external world. For instance, the
schematic construct of animated films epitomizes the notion
of motion. Force schemas, in this sense, play a critical role in
shaping the reality of cartoons. One prominent example to
cite in this regard is the short film entitled "The Hand ". Such
an animated feature depicts the force schema in its various
manifestations. This film, loaded with symbolic power,
illustrates the role of hegemony and authority in manipulative
endeavors and the centrality of ruling powers. For instance,
the upper position of the hand and its compulsive gestures
serve as a significant indicator of state power and its control
over individuals and artists. Artists' freedom, in this sense, is
jeopardized by manipulative powers that hamper their
creative work. Hence, the presence of various force schemas,
namely, compulsion and counterforce, provides a glimpse into
the schematic structure of hegemony and state apparatuses
and illustrates an immaculate representation of image
schemas in animation.
Life As A journey of Growth: "The Lion King"
Life is, in essence, a journey through which one
traverses the path to one's desired destiny. Beyond the
intricate backdrops and memories lies a future version
destined for. the throne of victory. In this context, the
main premise of The Lion King as an animated film is
the notion of growth. This animated film paints vivid
images of the physical and psychological aspects of
growth. In this context, Simba travels beyond the safe
confines of Pride Rock to follow the constellations of
destiny. His transition from cubhood to kingship not
only marks a movement from one place to another, but
also epitomises the psychological turmoil Simba had to
undergo as a runaway cub in order to ascend to the
upper echelons of royalty.
Construction : Frozen

In Disney's Frozen, the concept of "making an object"

(construction) is intertwined with the notion of "force" to
illustrate Elsa's struggle and eventual acceptance of her
powers. Initially , fear serves as a restraining force that
compels Elsa to construct ice fortresses as shields against
the world. These structures represent her attempts to
control her magic, which she visualizes as an
uncontrollable force that threatens to reveal its clutches.
However, as she embraces her abilities, the "force" motif
transforms. Building the ice palace signifies her decision
to exert control over her power, no longer fearing its
potential. This act becomes a powerful declaration of her
individuality, defying societal expectations and carving
her own path.
Force Schemas in a scene from Frozen
Conclusion

On the whole, I attempted to illustrate the various manifestations

of Force Schemas as depicted in short and full-length films such as
Death and The mother, The Hand, the Lion King and Frozen .
These animated features serve as a testimony of the genuis of
animators in manipulating movement and illustrating metaphorical
instances through motion . Hence, Force Schemas are an effective
tool to creatively convey meanings and construe realities .
Thank You For your
Attention