The "immunity idol" from SURVIVOR
The CODE-X series catalogs a vast codex of source codes (aka “signs”) extracted from past audits.
The object of study in semiotics is not the signs but rather a general theory of signification; the goal of each “audit” is to build a model demonstrating how meaning is produced and received within a category or cultural territory. Signs on their own, therefore, only become truly revelatory and useful once we’ve sorted them into thematic complexes, and the complexes into codes, and the codes into a meaning map. We call this process “thick description”; the Code-X series is thin description.
“WINNING A PRIZE” NORM: The “test” provided by adventure depicted as a literal one, complete with prizes and trophies.
“WINNING A PRIZE” FORMS: Showing off your medal, your big fish — and other evidence that you proved your worthiness.