Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Name: Saryu D. Baraiya
Subject: Literary Theory & Criticism (Paper-VII)
Roll No: 27
Study: M.A.
Year: Semester – II
Submitted to: Department of English
University: Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Structuralism:
o It is a literary theory.o It can be related it with text and make study of text.o System of recurrent patterns or motifs.o Studied the underlying structure.
Post-structuralism:o Post-structuralism is a response to Structuralism.o The rejection of the self-sufficiency of the structures.o Closely related to Post-modernism.o Argues that study of underlying structure is reason of bias and misinterpretation.o Study must be done on base of knowledge.
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Two types of differences:
Differences: Structuralism
& Post-structuralism
Practical Difference
Theoretical Difference
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Theoretical
Difference
Origins
Tone and Style
Attitude to
Language
Project By
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Origin
Structuralism Post-structuralism
Derives from Linguistics.
Observe accurately.
Collect data systematically.
Logical deduction.
Able to find reliable conclusion.
Inherits Scientific outlook.
Believes in system, method and
reason.
Able to establish reliable truth.
Derives from Philosophy.
It is just oral.
Sceptical by nature.
Usually undercuts.
Questions notions and
assumption.
Inherits habit of scepticism.
Fully conscious about the
irony and paradox.
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Tone & Style
Structuralism Post-structuralism
Abstraction and Generalization Derivation from linguistic science Example: ‘Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narrative’ (1966) by Roland Barthes. Tone: Typical Step by step exposition. Complete with diagrams Style: Neutral and Typical Scientific writing Aim: Scientific coolness
Much more emotive Bas on a word play Puns and Allusion Tone: Urgent and Euphoric Style: Flamboyant and Self-consciously showy Aim: An engaged warmth
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Attitude to Language
Structuralism Post-structuralism
The linguistic medium An orderly system Not choice Use: To think and to perceive
Language is threat Reality is textual Not achieving any knowledge through language Verbal sign Meanings are fluid Not fully in control of language Constantly ‘SLIPPAGE’ of subject Metaphorical base of wordsUse: to deconstruct a text
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Project By
Structuralism Post-structuralism
Questions our way of structuring and categorizing reality Free of habitual modes of perception or categorization More reliable view of thing
Much more fundamental Human being as an independent entity Individual is a product of social and linguistic force Tissue of textualities Scepticism as torch Burn away intellectual ground Western civilization built on it
Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Practical Differences:
Structuralism Post-structuralism
o Parallels / Echoeso Balances
oReflections / Repetitionso Symmetryo Contrastso Patternso Effect: to show textual unity and coherence
o Contradictions/ Paradoxo Shifts/ Breaks in: Tone, Viewpoint, Tense, Time, Person, Attitudeo Conflictso Absences/ Omissionso Linguistic quirkso Aporiao Effect: to show textual disunity
Thank you….