Structuralism and Poststructuralism CENTRAL MINDANAO COLLEGES-COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION Reporters: Lourdes A. Manalo , Rayna Lamping, Mae Ann La Fuente, Princess Ella Manila , Nomer Malag, Baijean K. Landayan Beverlyn Malate, Samira Lubama
Introduction - Literary theories provide frameworks for interpreting and understanding literature. - Structuralism and poststructuralism are two influential theories that offer distinct perspectives on language, meaning, and interpretation.
Structuralism Structuralism, pioneered by Ferdinand de Saussure , examines language as a system of signs with underlying structures. It emphasizes the stability of language and meaning , seeking to uncover the deep structures that govern human thought and communication. - Key concepts : Binary Oppositions: - Basic elements of structural analysis. - Examples: Good vs. Evil, Nature vs. Culture, Male vs. Female Signifier and Signified : - The relationship between a word (signifier) and its meaning (signified). - Highlighted by Ferdinand de Saussure. Langue and Parole - Langue: The underlying system of language. - Parole: Individual instances of speech. Structuralist analysis seeks to uncover universal structures and patterns within texts.
Ferdinand de Saussure - Father of modern linguistics, emphasized the arbitrariness of language. Structuralism : Influencial Figures
Structuralism : Influencial Figures Roland Barthes - Extended structuralism to literary criticism, analyzing texts for underlying structures and meanings.
Structuralism : Influencial Figures - Claude Lévi-Strauss : Applied structuralism to anthropology, studying cultural myths and rituals.
Poststructuralism - Poststructuralism emerged as a response to the perceived limitations of structuralism. - Jacques Derrida , a key figure in poststructuralism, introduced the concept of deconstruction , which questions the stability of meaning and highlights the inherent ambiguity of language. - Other influential poststructuralist thinkers include M ichel Foucault and Jacques Lacan , who critiqued power structures and explored the unconscious in language and society.
Poststructuralism Poststructuralist analysis - focuses on t he play of language and the multiplicity of interpretations. Intertextuality - the idea that texts are interconnected and influenced by other texts, is a central concept in poststructuralist theory. Poststructuralism - challenges fixed meanings and hierarchical structures , advocating for openness and fluidity in interpretation.
Structuralism vs Poststructuralism Structuralism emphasizes stable structures and universal patterns, while poststructuralism critiques these notions, highlighting the fluidity and ambiguity of language. Structuralism seeks to uncover hidden meanings within texts, while poststructuralism questions the possibility of fixed meanings, arguing for multiple interpretations. Structuralism tends toward closure and order, whereas poststructuralism embraces openness and ambiguity.
Conclusion Structuralism and poststructuralism - offer valuable insights into the nature of language, meaning, and interpretation.Understanding these theories enhances our ability to analyze and appreciate literature from diverse perspectives . Both theories continue to influence literary studies and critical discourse, encouraging ongoing exploration and debate.