Geese As Icons and the Implications for Formulating A Semiotics Between the Literal and the Figurative

Abstract

The author examines the problem of the literal/figurative dichotomy in various semiotic theories of systems of knowledge and the man-animal distinction. It is proposed that theories of iconicity and forms of iconicity may help us to understand this dichotomy. An analysis is made of Cree hunting of geese using theories of iconicity, the interpretant point of view and conventions of reading. Finally, a suggestion is made as to how understanding Cree conventions of hunting may help semioticians transform the spatial typology between the two poles of the literal and figurative into a 'quality space'.