Imaginary Quote by Roland Barthes
““In this manner , we are told, the system of the imaginary is spread circularly, by detours and returns the length of an empty subject.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Mythologies, Roland Barthes, 1957
The imagined system expands outward through indirect paths, creating an empty subject defined by its own detours.
In simple terms: Imaginary structures spread via indirect routes, leaving a hollow subject.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how indirect narratives shape perception.
Themes
literature
philosophy
semiotics
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- reading analysis
- critical essays
- media studies
- creative writing
Key Concepts
structuralism
imaginary
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do indirect narratives influence your self‑concept?
- What emptiness does this create in society?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the concrete impact of narratives on real identities.
![“[A TV commercial] crossed my desk in 1986. It came with a press release boasting about an enormous production budget employed in service of what it termed a communications “breakthrough”. The secret of this particular breakthrough was the science of semiotics — i.e., conveying meaning via powerful…” quote by Bob Garfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/147/bob-garfield-61148_communication_a-tv-commercial-crossed-my-desk-in-1986_817180.jpg)
