Post-Structuralism Literary Theory..pptx

POST-STRUCTURALISM
 POST STRUCTURALISM is an
intellectual movement in philosophy
from France during the 1960s and
1970s that challenged the belief in
stable or unchanging meanings and
identities.
 It is closely related to Post-
Modernism.

POST-STRUCTURALISM
 It refers to a way of thinking that
emphasizes the radical uncertainty of
knowledge (particularly knowledge in
language) and posits that “truth” is not
a fixed concept, but instead constantly
changes based on your cultural,
political, social, and
economic position in the world.

PROPONENTS
Jacques
Derrida
Michel
Foucault Jacques Lacan
1930 - 2004 1926 - 1984 1901 - 1981
1915 - 1980
Roland
Barthes

1915 - 1980
Roland
Barthes
 Barthes, originally a confirmed
Structuralist, is a French literary
theorist, philosopher and semiotician.
 Barthes played a pivotal role in
challenging traditional literary criticism
and advocating for a more reader-
centered approach.

KEY ASPECTS OF BARTHES’ POST-
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
1. DEATH OF THE AUTHOR
 Observation: Barthes famously declared the "Death of the Author" in
his essay of the same name. He argued against the traditional notion
that the author's intentions and biography should be the primary
determinants of a text's meaning. Instead, he proposed focusing on the
active role of the reader in interpreting and constructing meaning.
 Implications: This concept challenges the authority of the author,
emphasizing the plurality of interpretations and the role of the reader's
subjective engagement with the text. It encourages a more open-
ended and democratic approach to literary analysis.

DEATH
OF
THE
AUTHOR
Upton Sinclair wrote The Jungle as a criticism of the American meat-packing industry in
order to help the terrible conditions of the workers.
Instead, it added more laws that forced a much more strenuous, yet cleaner working
environment. He later went on to say "I had aimed for the heart of the American public, and
hit them in the stomach by mistake."

2. MYTHOLOGIES
 Observation: In his work "Mythologies," Barthes examined how
everyday objects, practices, and cultural phenomena function as myths
in society. He argued that these myths contribute to the construction
of meaning and shape cultural ideologies.
 Implications: Barthes' analysis of myths demonstrates how seemingly
ordinary aspects of culture carry layers of symbolic meaning. This
approach aligns with post-structuralism by revealing the constructed
nature of cultural symbols and challenging fixed meanings.
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:

EXAMPLE: “THE GREAT GATSBY” by F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
CONCEPT OF MYTH THEMES:
1. American Dream as Myth:
 Barthes' approach scrutinizes the American Dream's portrayal in the novel, revealing
its symbolic and cultural dimensions.
2. Symbols and Signifiers:
 Barthes' idea of symbols and signifiers applies to Gatsby's green light, the Valley of
Ashes, and lavish parties, uncovering layers of meaning.
3. Cultural Icons and Celebrity:
 Barthes' insights illuminate how Jay Gatsby becomes a cultural icon, exploring the
mythmaking around his mysterious persona.
4. Consumer Culture:
 Barthes' analysis of consumer culture fits with the novel's depiction of materialism,
excess, and conspicuous consumption in the Jazz Age.

3. SEMIOTICS AND SIGNIFICATION:
 Observation: Barthes was deeply engaged in semiotics, the study of
signs and symbols. He explored the ways in which signs operate within
language and culture, emphasizing the arbitrariness of linguistic signs.
 Implications: This emphasis on semiotics aligns with the post-
structuralist rejection of fixed meanings. Barthes' exploration of signs
contributes to the broader post-structuralist project of questioning the
stability of language and meaning.
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:

EXAMPLE: “THE SCARLET LETTER” by NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE
SEMIOTICS AND SIGNIFICATION THEMES
1. Scarlet Letter "A":
A semiotic examination of Hester Prynne's scarlet letter reveals it as a signifier with
diverse meanings, symbolizing adultery, sin, shame, societal judgment, and eventual
redemption.
2. Color Symbolism:
Colors in the novel, like the scarlet letter, serve as signifiers. Red signifies passion and sin,
while green represents nature and new beginnings, providing a nuanced semiotic
analysis.
3. Puritan Symbols:
Puritan symbols like the prison door and scaffold carry moral and religious values,
analyzed through semiotics as signifiers reflecting societal norms of the time.
4. Names as Signifiers:
Character names, such as Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale, act as linguistic signs.
Semiotic analysis explores how these names carry cultural and historical meanings,
contributing to character identity and thematic development.

4. READER-RESPONSE THEORY
 Observation: Barthes' ideas contribute to the development of reader-
response theory within post-structuralism. He emphasized the
importance of the reader's active engagement in the production of
meaning and the creation of a text's significance.
 Implications: This perspective challenges the idea that a text has a
single, fixed meaning determined by the author. Instead, meaning is
contingent on the reader's interpretation, cultural context, and personal
experiences.
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:

EXAMPLE: “FRANKENSTEIN” by MARY SHELLEY
READER-RESPONSE THEMES
1. Creation and Morality:
Reader responses to Victor's creation of the creature vary, with some empathizing with
the creature's isolation and others focusing on the ethical implications of Victor's actions.
2. Empathy for the Creature:
Reader-response theory suggests diverse emotional responses to the creature's
struggles, ranging from empathy to fear or revulsion.
3. Moral Dilemmas:
Shelley's exploration of moral dilemmas, like a creator's responsibility, allows for varied
reader interpretations of characters' motivations and actions.
4. Framing Narrative Choices:
Multiple narrators in "Frankenstein" offer different perspectives, influencing how readers
perceive characters. Some may sympathize with Victor, while others align with the
creature's narrative.

5. INTERTEXTUALITY
 Observation: Barthes explored the concept of intertextuality,
highlighting the interconnectedness of texts. He argued that no text
exists in isolation, and meanings are shaped by the network of other
texts.
 Implications: This observation contributes to the post-structuralist
understanding of the fluid and dynamic nature of meaning. It suggests
that texts are in constant dialogue with each other, and their
significance is contingent on their relationships within a broader
cultural context.
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:

EXAMPLE: “WIDE SARGASSO SEA” by JEAN RHYS
INTERTEXTUALITY THEMES
1. Dialoguing with "Jane Eyre":
Rhys reimagines Bertha Mason, central to Brontë's "Jane Eyre," offering an alternative
perspective in a complex intertextual conversation.
2. Colonial and Postcolonial Contexts:
Rhys uses intertextuality to explore colonial and postcolonial themes, setting the novel in
Jamaica during slavery, intersecting with "Jane Eyre's" narrative.
3. Subverting Tropes:
Through intertextuality, Rhys challenges tropes established in "Jane Eyre," giving agency
to the madwoman in the attic and subverting reader expectations.
4. Multiple Perspectives:
Intertextuality allows for exploration of multiple perspectives, as Rhys weaves echoes of
Brontë's text, providing readers a layered experience with diverse voices.

Derrida 1930 - 2004
 Derrida was an Algerian-born French
philosopher.
 Derrida is widely associated with
Deconstruction, a method of textual
analysis that seeks to expose and
destabilize hierarchical oppositions
within the language. He emphasized
the inherent instability and multiple
meanings in texts, challenging the
notion of fixed meanings and linguistics
binaries.

Derrida 1930 - 2004
 Différance: Derrida introduced the term
"différance" to highlight the constant
deferral and difference that
characterize language. This concept
challenges traditional notions of stable
meaning.
 Notable Works on Deconstruction
(1967):
*Of Grammatology
*Writing and Difference

KEY ASPECTS OF DERRIDA’S POST-
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
1. DECONSTRUCTION
 Observation: Derrida is perhaps best known for the concept of
deconstruction, a method of textual analysis that seeks to expose and
dismantle binary oppositions within a text. He argued that language
and texts are characterized by inherent contradictions and that
meanings are not stable but constantly deferred.
 Implications: Deconstruction challenges the idea of fixed meanings
and hierarchical oppositions. Derrida's work encourages a close
examination of language, revealing the instability and multiplicity of
interpretations within a text.

EXAMPLE: “THE SOUND AND THE FURY” by WILLIAM FAULKNER
Deconstruction Themes:
1. Fragmentation and Subjectivity:
The novel's fragmented narrative reflects Derrida's idea of language as inherently
unstable, emphasizing subjectivity in each character's perspective.
2. Language as Unstable Signifiers:
Faulkner's use of stream-of-consciousness mirrors Derrida's concept of language
instability, where words take on multiple, shifting meanings.
3. Temporal Disruptions:
The novel's non-linear timeline challenges conventional narrative structures, aligning
with Derrida's emphasis on the fluidity of meaning across different temporal planes.
4. Binary Oppositions and Deconstruction:
Faulkner deconstructs binary oppositions, such as order and chaos, revealing the
interconnected nature of seemingly opposite concepts.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
2. DIFFÉRANCE
 Observation: Derrida introduced the term "différance," a play on the
French words "différer" (to differ) and "defer" (to delay). This concept
encapsulates the idea that meaning is always deferred and never fully
present. Words gain their significance through their differences from
other words.
 Implications: Différance underscores the inherent complexity of
language and the impossibility of arriving at a definitive and stable
meaning. It challenges the notion that language can represent a fixed
reality without ambiguity.

EXAMPLE: “TO THE LIGHTHOUSE” by VIRGINIA WOOLF
Différance Themes:
1. Temporal Différance:
Woolf's fluid narrative structure intertwines past, present, and future, reflecting Derrida's
idea of temporal différance.
2. Language and Meaning:
The novel explores the interplay of signifiers and signifieds, aligning with Derrida's
notion that language's meaning is deferred and context-dependent.
3. Subjectivity and Identity:
Characters' shifting perspectives challenge fixed identities, illustrating the fluid nature of
selfhood.
4. Unattainable Truth:
"To the Lighthouse" suggests an elusive, deferred truth, echoing Derrida's concept that
meaning is always in flux and cannot be fixed.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
3. LOGOCENTRISM
• Observation: Derrida critiqued logocentrism, the philosophical
tradition that privileges speech (logos) over writing. He argued that this
bias has far-reaching implications for how meaning is understood and
valued in Western thought.
• Implications: By challenging logocentrism, Derrida questioned the
hierarchy between speech and writing. This critique has implications for
how we understand the authority and value assigned to different forms
of communication.

EXAMPLE: “HAMLET” by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Logocentric Themes:
1. Power of Speech and Reason:
Hamlet's eloquent soliloquies highlight the play's emphasis on the potency of language
and reason.
2. Dichotomy of Word and Deed:
The tension between Hamlet's contemplation of words and his inaction underscores
logocentric traditions that prioritize speech over action.
3. Philosophical Reflections:
Hamlet's deep pondering on existence and morality reflects logocentrism, placing a
heavy emphasis on the spoken word as a means of grappling with profound questions.
4. Importance of Oaths and Vows:
The plot revolves around characters' oaths and promises, showcasing logocentrism's
belief in the binding nature of spoken words.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
4. UNDECIDABILITY
 Observation: Derrida often discussed the concept of undecidability,
suggesting that certain aspects of language and meaning resist clear
determinations. This idea contributes to the post-structuralist view that
interpretation is always open-ended and cannot be definitively
resolved.
 Implications: Undecidability challenges the idea of a fixed and
determinate meaning within a text, emphasizing the ambiguity and
complexity of language.

EXAMPLE: “ALICE IN WONDERLAND” by LEWIS CARROLL
Undecidability Themes:
1. Language and Meaning:
Characters use words unconventionally, challenging stable meanings and reflecting
Derrida's concept of undecidability.
2. Mad Hatter's Tea Party:
The absurd conversations and ambiguous time in the tea party embody undecidability,
illustrating the instability of language and interpretation.
3. Cheshire Cat's Smile:
The disappearing Cheshire Cat's smile introduces ambiguity, challenging the stability of
presence and absence, echoing Derrida's ideas.
4. Fluctuating Identities:
Characters' shifts in size and identity challenge fixed meanings, aligning with Derrida's
emphasis on undecidability in identity and meaning.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
5. ARCHIVE AND TRACE
 Observation: Derrida explored the notions of archive and trace,
emphasizing the role of memory and absence in the construction of
meaning. The archive is not only a repository of information but also a
site where meanings are constructed and contested.
 Implications: This concept contributes to the understanding that texts
and cultural artifacts are not neutral repositories of meaning but are
actively engaged in the production and dissemination of cultural
values.

EXAMPLE: “FUNES THE MEMORIOUS” by JORGE LUIS BORGES
In Borges' "Funes the Memorious," the protagonist, Ireneo Funes,
embodies the concepts of archive and trace. Funes possesses an
exhaustive memory, functioning as a human archive. However, the sheer
volume of memories leads to a fragmentation of experience, highlighting
the ineffability of complete recall. Funes becomes a living archive,
showcasing the richness of memory, but also revealing the challenges
and limitations inherent in preserving the entirety of one's experiences.
The story prompts reflection on the complexities of memory, the dual
nature of archives, and the elusive traces that persist beyond even the
most comprehensive recollections.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
6. CONTEXTUALIZATION AND ITERABILITY
 Observation: Derrida emphasized the importance of context and
iterability, suggesting that the meaning of a sign or text is dependent
on its context and is subject to repetition and recontextualization.
 Implications: Iterability challenges the idea of a fixed, context-
independent meaning. It underscores the dynamic relationship
between signs and their various contexts of use.

EXAMPLE: “THE SOUND AND THE FURY” by WILLIAM FAULKNER
1. Shifting Perspectives:
Multiple narrators offer unique viewpoints, emphasizing the role of context in
shaping meaning.
2. Temporal Complexity:
The non-linear narrative iterates events, highlighting how context influences
interpretation over time.
3. Repetition of Motifs:
Recurring symbols take on different meanings in various contexts, showcasing
the iterability of motifs.
4. Character Identity and Context:
Characters' identities unfold in different contexts, emphasizing how the same
traits can be perceived differently.

Foucault 1926 - 1984
 Foucault is a French philosopher, social
theorist, and historian of ideas.
 Foucault’s work focused on the
relationship between Power,
Knowledge, and Discourse. He
analyzed how institutions shape
knowledge and influence societal
norms. His ideas have had a profound
impact on fields such as sociology,
cultural studies, and political theory.

Foucault 1926 - 1984
 His book "The Archaeology of
Knowledge" explores the historical
development of various forms of
knowledge.
 Discourse Analysis: Foucault's
approach to discourse analysis
emphasizes how language constructs
social reality. He examined how
discourses, or systems of knowledge,
contribute to the exercise of power.

KEY ASPECTS OF FOUCAULT’S POST-
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
1. POWER/KNOWLEDGE
 Observation: Foucault explored the intricate relationship between
power and knowledge. He argued that knowledge is not neutral but is
deeply intertwined with power structures. Institutions, such as prisons,
schools, and hospitals, produce and reinforce particular forms of
knowledge that serve to maintain power.
 Implications: This perspective challenges traditional notions of
knowledge as objective and highlights the ways in which power
operates through the production and dissemination of knowledge.

EXAMPLE: “1984” by GEORGE ORWELL
1. Totalitarian Control:
Orwell's depiction of the Party in "1984" illustrates Foucault's concept of power. The
Party exerts control not only through physical force but also by manipulating knowledge
and shaping the narrative to maintain dominance.
2. Surveillance and Discipline:
The pervasive surveillance in the novel reflects Foucault's ideas on disciplinary power.
The constant monitoring of citizens enforces conformity and controls behavior,
showcasing how knowledge is wielded as a tool of power.
3. Manipulation of Truth:
The Party's ability to manipulate historical records and control information aligns with
Foucault's notion of power/knowledge. The Party not only exercises authority through
force but also through its control over what is considered true and factual.
4. Normalization of Discourse:
The use of Newspeak in "1984" illustrates the normalization of discourse to control
thought. This linguistic manipulation embodies Foucault's idea that power operates
through the regulation of language and knowledge.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
2. DISCOURSE AND EPISTEMES
 Observation: Foucault examined the concept of discourse,
emphasizing how language and systems of knowledge shape our
understanding of reality. He introduced the idea of epistemes, which
are historical formations of knowledge that define the conditions of
what can be known at a particular time.
 Implications: The concept of discourse underscores the role of
language in constructing reality, while the notion of epistemes
emphasizes the historical contingency of knowledge and the changing
nature of what is considered "true."

EXAMPLE: “FRANKENSTEIN” by MARY SHELLEY
1. Scientific Discourse:
Shelley's novel engages with the scientific discourse of the time. Victor Frankenstein's
experiments and the discussions around them reflect the episteme of scientific
advancement in the 19th century.
2. Narrative Perspectives:
The use of multiple narrative perspectives in the novel introduces different discourses.
The letters from Walton, Victor's narration, and the creature's own account contribute to
the construction of varied epistemes within the narrative.
3. Social and Moral Discourse:
Shelley explores societal and moral discourses surrounding scientific innovation. The
reactions of characters and society to Victor's creation reflect the prevailing epistemes
regarding the ethical implications of scientific pursuits.
4. Questioning Knowledge:
The novel raises questions about the limits of knowledge and the consequences of
pushing scientific boundaries. This reflects a broader episteme of the time that
questioned the ethical dimensions of scientific progress.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
3. BIO-POWER AND GOVERNMENTALITY
 Observation: Foucault introduced the concepts of bio-power and
governmentality to analyze how modern states regulate populations.
Bio-power focuses on the management of life and populations, while
governmentality examines the ways in which governments exercise
control and influence over individuals.
 Implications: These concepts highlight the ways in which power is
exercised not only through explicit political structures but also through
the regulation of individuals and populations in various aspects of life.

EXAMPLE: “THE HANDMAID’S TALE by MARGARET ATWOOD
1. Control Over Reproduction:
The government exercises biopower by regulating women's reproductive capacities,
exemplified by the institution of handmaids whose bodies are controlled for state
interests.
2. Surveillance and Discipline:
Governmentality is depicted through surveillance and discipline, enforced by entities like
the Eyes and Aunts, regulating individuals' behavior within the societal framework.
3. Institutionalized Gender Roles:
The novel explores governmentality in the institutionalization of gender roles, classifying
women into specific societal functions based on fertility.
4. Language and Ideological Control:
Ideological control is achieved through language manipulation, including renaming and
specific terminology, highlighting how governmentality extends into shaping
perceptions.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
4. PANOPTICISM
 Observation: In his work "Discipline and Punish," Foucault introduced
the concept of the panopticon, a metaphor for the modern disciplinary
society. The panopticon is a prison design where a central observer can
see all inmates without them knowing whether they are being
observed.
 Implications: The panopticon illustrates the internalization of
surveillance and discipline, suggesting that individuals modify their
behavior when they believe they are being watched. This concept has
been widely applied to discussions of surveillance and control in
modern society.

EXAMPLE: “1984” by GEORGE ORWELL
1. Surveillance State:
In the dystopian society of Oceania, the government, led by the Party, implements
pervasive surveillance. The telescreens and the watchful eye of Big Brother exemplify the
panopticon's central idea of constant observation.
2. Internalization of Surveillance:
The citizens of Oceania are aware of the omnipresent surveillance, and the fear of being
observed at all times leads to self-policing. This internalization of the surveillance
mechanism aligns with the panoptic concept of individuals regulating their behavior in
anticipation of being watched.
3. Lack of Privacy:
The absence of private spaces and the constant visibility of citizens create an
environment where everyone is potentially subject to scrutiny. This lack of privacy is a
key element of panopticism, fostering a culture of perpetual surveillance.
4. Control Through Fear:
The Party's use of surveillance is not only for gathering information but also for
maintaining control through fear. The uncertainty of being observed contributes to a
sense of powerlessness among the citizens, reinforcing the panoptic structure.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
5. ARCHAEOLOGY OF KNOWLEDGE
 Observation: Foucault developed the archaeological method, which
involves uncovering the historical conditions of knowledge production
and examining the discursive formations that shape particular periods.
 Implications: This method challenges linear historical narratives and
encourages an investigation of the conditions that make certain forms
of knowledge possible at specific points in history.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
6. POWER/KNOWLEDGE NEXUS IN INSTITUTIONS
 Observation: Foucault examined how institutions, such as prisons,
hospitals, and asylums, function as sites where power and knowledge
intersect. These institutions are key players in shaping societal norms
and regulating individuals.
 Implications: Foucault's analysis of institutions contributes to a critical
understanding of how power operates in everyday practices and how
certain forms of knowledge are institutionalized.

Lacan 1901 - 1981
 Lacan was a French psychoanalyst and
psychiatrist.
 Lacan integrated psychoanalysis with
structuralist linguistics, introducing
concepts like the “Mirror Stage” and the
symbolic order. He explored the role of
language and symbols in the
construction of subjectivity,
emphasizing the importance of the
unconscious and the symbolic realm.

Lacan 1901 - 1981
 Psychoanalytic Theory: Lacan integrated
psychoanalytic theory with structuralism. He
emphasized the role of language in shaping subjectivity
and understanding the self. His concept of the "mirror
stage" explores how individuals develop a sense of
identity through language and symbols.
 The Real, the Imaginary, and the Symbolic: Lacan's
model of the psyche includes the Real (unattainable
reality), the Imaginary (image and identification),
and the Symbolic (language and social order). This
triad has influenced various fields, including literary
theory and cultural studies.

KEY ASPECTS OF LACAN’S POST-
STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
1. THE MIRROR STAGE
 Observation: Lacan introduced the concept of the mirror stage, a
psychoanalytic notion that describes a crucial moment in an infant's
development when it identifies with its own reflection in a mirror. This
identification is fundamental to the formation of the ego.
 Implications: The mirror stage highlights the role of images and
symbols in the construction of subjectivity. It suggests that the sense of
self is formed through identification with external images.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
2. THE SYMBOLIC ORDER
 Observation: Lacan proposed the idea of the symbolic order, which
refers to the realm of language and symbols that mediate our
experience of reality. Language, for Lacan, plays a central role in
shaping subjectivity and social structures.
 Implications: The symbolic order emphasizes the importance of
language in the formation of identity and social structures. It connects
Lacan's work to broader post-structuralist concerns with the nature of
language and its effects on subjectivity.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
3. THE REAL, THE IMAGINARY, AND THE SYMBOLIC
 Observation: Lacan distinguished between three realms: the Real, the
Imaginary, and the Symbolic. The Real is the domain of the unmediated
and pre-linguistic, the Imaginary involves images and representations,
and the Symbolic is the realm of language and signifiers.
 Implications: This triadic structure provides a framework for
understanding the complex interplay between lived experience, mental
representations, and linguistic systems in the construction of meaning
and identity.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
4. LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES AND LACK
 Observation: Lacan emphasized the role of linguistic structures in
shaping desire and identity. He argued that language introduces a
fundamental lack or gap (manque) that gives rise to desire.
 Implications: This concept of lack and desire connects Lacan's work to
post-structuralist concerns with the inherent instability and
incompleteness of language, contributing to discussions about the
nature of meaning and subjectivity.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
5. THE PHALLUS AS SIGNIFIER
 Observation: Lacan used the phallus as a key signifier in his
theorization of desire and the symbolic order. The phallus is not merely
a biological organ but a symbolic representation that operates within
the structure of language.
 Implications: This use of the phallus as a signifier exemplifies Lacan's
approach to psychoanalysis, where symbols and language play a crucial
role in the formation of unconscious desires and meanings.

STRUCURAL THOUGHTS:
6. DESIRE AND THE OTHER
 Observation: Lacan explored the role of desire in relation to the Other,
a term he used to represent both significant others in an individual's
life and the broader symbolic order. Desire, according to Lacan, is
always mediated through language and the Other.
 Implications: This perspective contributes to post-structuralist
discussions about the social construction of desire and the ways in
which language shapes our understanding of self and others.

PSYCHOANALYTIC LINGUISTICS
 Lacan applied psychoanalytic principles to language and
communication, emphasizing the role of the
unconscious and the symbolic order in the formation of
subjectivity.
 Lacan’s concept of “mirror stage” explores the formation
of the ego and the individual’s identification with images
and symbols.

PSYCHOANALYTIC LINGUISTICS
 The Symbolic Order introduces structural constraints on our
understanding of reality. It influences how we categorize and
interpret experiences. Post-Structuralism, building on Lacan's
ideas, explores how language and discourse create and limit
meaning, opening the door to deconstruction and
questioning of established structures.
 Illusion of Wholeness: This illusion of wholeness becomes a
lifelong quest for unity and identity. Lacan's Mirror Stage
challenges the notion of a stable, unified self, suggesting
that our sense of identity is always in a state of tension and
lack.

1. REJECTION OF FIXED MEANING
 Post-structuralists reject the idea that language and meaning have
stable, fixed foundations. They argue that the meaning is
contingent and context-dependent, always subject to
interpretation and reinterpretation.
 Derrida’s concept of “différance,” a play on the French words
“différer” (to differ) and “defer” (to delay), suggests that meaning is
deferred and delayed, and that words gain their significance
through their differences from other words. It also underscores the
inherent complexity of language and the impossibility of arriving
at a definitive and stable meaning; and challenges the notion that
language can represent a fixed reality without ambiguity.

REJECTION OF FIXED MEANING
 Time (noun) flies (verb) like an arrow(adverb clause).
= Time passes quickly.
 Time (verb) flies (object) like an arrow(adverb clause).
= Get out your stopwatch and time the speed of flies
as you would time an arrow’s flight.
 Time flies(noun) like (verb) an arrow(object).
= Time flies are fond of arrows (or at least of one
particular arrow).
 Time flies like an arrow.

2. DECONSTRUCTION OF BINARY
OPPOSITIONS
 Deconstruction, a method associated with Derrida,
involves critically examining and destabilizing binary
oppositions within texts. It seeks to reveal the inherent
contradictions and hierarchies present in language.
 Derrida deconstructed the traditional oppositions of
speech/writing (logocentrism), presence/absence and
nature/culture (archive and trace) to illustrate how these
pairs are interdependent and mutually constitutive.

3. POWER AND DISCOURSE
 Foucault examined the relationship between power, knowledge,
and discourse. He argued that institutions and discourses shape
our understanding of truth, and power operates through
various forms of discourse.
 Foucault’s historical studies, such as “The Birth of the Clinic” and
“Discipline and Punish,” (which introduced Panopticism –
abnormal individual put under constant surveillance) analyze how
power operates in institutional settings like hospitals and
prisons through the production of knowledge.

4. MULTIPLICITY AND FLUIDITY
 Post-structuralists reject essentialism and emphasize
the multiplicity of meanings, identities, and realities.
They highlight the fluid and contingent nature of
cultural phenomena.
 Barthes’ exploration of myths in “Mythologies”
demonstrates how everyday objects and practices can
carry multiple, socially constructed meanings.

NATURE, FUNCTION AND
APPLICATION OF POST-
STRUCTURALISM

NATURE OF POST-STRUCTURALISM
 Post-structuralism offers a way of studying how knowledge is
produced and critiques structuralist premises. It argues that
because history and culture condition the study of underlying
structures, both are subject to biases and misinterpretations.
 A post-structuralist approach argues that to
understand an object (e.g., a text), it is necessary to
study both the object itself and the systems of
knowledge that produced the object.

FUNCTIONS OF POST-
STRUCTURALISM
Post-structuralist analysis focuses on how
meaning is constructed through language,
examining how signs and texts come to
produce meaning. It looks at how power
relations are created in language and how
marginalized voices or perspectives are
excluded.

FUNCTIONS OF POST-
STRUCTURALISM
1. Deconstruction of Binary Oppositions:
 Challenges fixed categories like good/evil, male/female, revealing
complexity.
2. Interrogation of Language:
 Questions language's ability to transparently represent reality.
3. Multiplicity of Meanings:
 Asserts texts have multiple interpretations, rejecting a single, fixed
meaning.
4. Death of the Author:
 Shifts authority from the author to the reader and cultural
context.
5. Recognition of Reader's Agency:
 Empowers readers as active participants in meaning creation.

FUNCTIONS OF POST-
STRUCTURALISM
6. Emphasis on Power and Discourse:
 Explores the connection between language, power, and cultural norms.
7. Focus on Intertextuality:
 Highlights interconnectedness of texts, influencing and being
influenced.
8. Challenge to Structuralism:
 Responds to structuralism's rigidity, introducing a dynamic
understanding.
9. Rejection of Essentialism:
 Rejects fixed, universal truths, emphasizing context-dependent
meanings.
10. Exploration of Fragmented Subjectivity:
 Examines the fragmented nature of identity influenced by various
forces.

APPLICATIONS OF POST-STRUCTURALISM
Post-structuralist literary critics use techniques like
deconstruction to "destabilize" the assumed meanings
in a text. They may analyze how a text subverts its own
apparent meanings, or examine silences, gaps and
ambiguities. Things like a narrator's reliability,
readers' assumptions, and the self-contradictions in
language can all be questioned. Foucault's
examinations of power/knowledge contributed to
post-structuralist analysis of literature's role in power
relations.

POST-STRUCTURALISM
STRENGTHS &
WEAKNESSES

STRENGTHS OF POST-STRUCTURALISM
 Provides more nuanced analyses of texts by questioning
assumed meanings and exposing contradictions/paradoxes in
language.
 Allows for interpretations that give voice to marginalized
groups not represented in traditional readings.
 Critiques the idea that texts have universal, fixed meanings tied
to the author's intent. Meaning is fluid, not fixed.
 Provides tools to analyze how language and discourse shape
power relations in society.
 Seeks to destabilize dominant ideologies and assumptions
baked into language and texts.

WEAKNESSES OF POST-STRUCTURALISM
 Its focus on unstable meaning can lead to relativist
interpretations where "anything goes."
 Critiques the author's role so much that authorial intent/context
is ignored.
 Dense theoretical language can make it inaccessible to wider
audiences.
 It is often criticized for depoliticizing literature by not
addressing real social/political issues.
 Its skepticism of "grand narratives" can easily slip into passive
nihilism (life is meaningless), cynicism or solipsism(self interest).
 Offers more tools for critique than for positive social change.
Can seem overly negative.

Conclusion
In conclusion, post-structuralism challenged traditional
assumptions about stable textual meaning through key concepts
like deconstruction, discourse analysis, and the "death of the
author." It provoked new interpretations by rejecting universal
truth and highlighting the fluid, subjective nature of meaning.
While criticized for obscurity and relativism, post-structuralism
provided vital new analytical tools and interdisciplinary
approaches. Its legacy continues to influence literary studies,
though it remains contentious. Overall, post-structuralism
profoundly changed how we think about meaning and
interpretation in texts.

Post-Structuralism Literary Theory..pptx

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