These slides provide a basic introduction to Poststructuralism and deconstruction, along with their key components.

These slides provide a basic introduction to Poststructuralism and deconstruction, along with their key components.

1. Post-structuralism & Deconstruction Dr. Ilyas Babar Awan

2. Structuralism Though structuralism began in the 1950s and 1960s , it has its roots in the thinking of the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure. Saussure was a key figure in the development of modern approaches to language study. He emphasized that the meanings given to words are purely arbitrary and that these meanings are maintained by convention only.

3. Introduction to Post-Structuralism Post-structuralism is often viewed as both an extension and a rebellion against structuralism. Post-structuralists argue that structuralists fail to fully embrace the implications of their theories regarding language, which state that language doesn't merely reflect reality but actively shapes it. This perspective leads to a world characterized by radical uncertainty, where no fixed reference points exist for measuring reality.

4. Structuralism vs Poststructuralism Structuralism is based on the belief that meaning is fixed, stable , and can be discovered through analyzing underlying structures — especially the structure of language. Post-Structuralism , on the other hand, argues that meaning is unstable , shifting, and indefinite, because language itself is not a fixed system — it is open to multiple interpretations. Attitude toward Language Structuralists (like Ferdinand de Saussure) view language as a structured system of signs where each element gains meaning through difference and opposition. Post-Structuralists (like Jacques Derrida) claim that meaning is always deferred that is, one sign leads to another endlessly. Thus, complete or final meaning can never be achieved.

5. Structuralism vs Poststructuralism Concept of Meaning and Text Structuralism assumes that a text has an underlying structure that determines its meaning, and through analysis, that structure can be revealed. Post-Structuralism rejects the idea of a single, stable meaning . Instead, it emphasizes the plurality of meanings and the reader’s role in constructing meaning. Role of the Author and Reader For Structuralists , the author’s intention is less important than the structure of language that produces meaning. For Post-Structuralists , the reader becomes central . Meaning is not created by the author but by the reader’s interpretation (as in Roland Barthes’ The Death of the Author).

6. Structuralism vs Poststructuralism Stability vs. Instability Structuralism seeks order, coherence, and universal patterns — believing in the possibility of scientific analysis of culture and literature. Post-Structuralism emphasizes instability, ambiguity, and contradictions, claiming that systems and meanings inevitably collapse under deconstruction. Representative Thinkers Structuralists: Ferdinand de Saussure, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Roland Barthes (early works), Vladimir Propp. Post-Structuralists: Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes (later works), Julia Kristeva.

7. The Structuralist Seeks: Parallels, Echoes, and Balances Peter Barry explains that a structuralist critic looks for patterns rather than individual meanings . They believe that every literary work gains meaning from its structure , its network of relationships, repetitions, and contrasts rather than from what it “says” uniquely. So, a structuralist seeks parallels , echoes , and balances in a text to uncover its underlying system of organization

8. Parallels Meaning: Parallels are similar situations, events, or character types that occur across a text (or across several texts). They help reveal recurring patterns or structures that shape meaning. Examples: In Shakespeare’s King Lear , the story of Lear and his daughters parallels the subplot of Gloucester and his sons . Both fathers misjudge their children; this parallel reveals a structural theme of blindness and insight. In myth or fairy tales , heroes often follow similar journeys (as noted by Vladimir Propp). For example, Cinderella and Snow White both feature the parallel structure of persecution, magical help, and reward

9. Echoes Meaning: Echoes are repetitions of words, images, or ideas that create connections across different parts of a text. They show how meaning circulates and reinforces itself within the structure. Examples: In Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad , the word “ darkness ” echoes throughout the novel in reference to the jungle, the human soul, and colonial brutality. These echoes build the structural theme of moral ambiguity. In poetry , recurring sounds or motifs (like “light” and “dark” in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet) create echoing oppositions that structure the text’s emotional rhythm.

10. Balances Meaning: Balances refer to contrasting or complementary pairs that give structural symmetry to a text, such as good/evil, male/female, reason/passion, life/death. They show how meaning is produced through binary oppositions, a central structuralist concept. Examples: In George Orwell’s Animal Farm , we find balances or oppositions between ideals and corruption, equality and tyranny forming the structure of the narrative. In Saussure’s linguistics , meaning itself is balanced through opposition — for instance, “night” only has meaning in contrast to “day.”

11. Contrasts Structuralism identifies meaning through binary oppositions (e.g., good/evil, blindness/insight, nature/culture). These contrasts are the building blocks of meaning in a text. In King Lear: Good vs. Evil : Cordelia & Edgar vs. Goneril, Regan & Edmund Sight vs. Blindness : Lear and Gloucester both “see” only after losing what mattered Order vs. Chaos : Political order collapses into chaos after Lear divides the kingdom These oppositions are not moral lessons but structural devices that organize meaning.

12. Patterns Structuralists focus on recurring structures or motifs rather than individual emotions or psychology. In King Lear: The pattern of deception and recognition repeats in both stories. The structure of parental rejection, suffering, and enlightenment appears twice. Repeated motifs of madness , blindness , and nature’s disorder build a unifying pattern.

13. Symmetry Structuralists see balance or pairing in the structure of events, characters, or relationships — like a mirror effect that gives the work coherence. In King Lear: Lear has three daughters; Gloucester has two sons — both families show a structural pairing of loyalty and treachery. Both fathers fall from high status (king/earl) to despair and then gain insight. This creates symmetry between the two plots.

14. Reflections / Repetitions Structuralists notice when one event or character reflects or repeats another. It’s not accidental; it shows that a deeper pattern or structure is operating. In King Lear: The story of Gloucester and his sons reflects the story of *Lear and his daughters. Lear is deceived by Goneril and Regan; Gloucester is deceived by Edmund. Lear rejects Cordelia; Gloucester rejects Edgar. → Both fathers are blind (morally and literally) and suffer before recognizing truth.

15. Where the structuralist seeks patterns and coherence , the post-structuralist seeks instability and contradiction , moments where meaning breaks down or shifts. Post-Structuralism

16. Key Thinkers Jacques Derrida : Deconstruction (most central to poststructuralism) Roland Barthes : The Death of the Author Michel Foucault : Power, Discourse, and Knowledge Julia Kristeva : Intertextuality Jacques Lacan : Language and the Unconscious

17. Contradictions / Paradoxes Meaning: Post-structuralists believe that every text contains internal contradictions ; it says one thing, but also undermines itself. Language can never be completely stable or logical; it carries paradoxes that reveal hidden tensions. Examples: In George Orwell’s Animal Farm , the slogan “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” is a clear contradiction that exposes the instability of political ideals. In Wordsworth’s poetry , he praises nature’s simplicity but uses complex language, a paradox that deconstructs his own theme of simplicity.

18. Shifts / Breaks in Tone Meaning: Tone means the writer’s attitude toward the subject. Post-structuralists look for sudden changes in tone from serious to ironic, hopeful to despairing because such shifts reveal that the text cannot sustain a single viewpoint. Example: In T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land , the tone shifts abruptly , from prophecy to conversation, from tragedy to sarcasm , showing the text’s inner fragmentation and instability of meaning. In a political speech , a shift from idealism to defensiveness exposes uncertainty in the speaker’s position.

19. Shifts / Breaks in Viewpoint Meaning: When the narrative perspective changes for example, from first person to third person or from one character’s perspective to another it creates instability in meaning . Post-structuralists see this as proof that no single viewpoint can claim authority. Example: In Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway , the viewpoint shifts fluidly from one consciousness to another, showing that reality itself is fragmented and subjective. In Flaubert’s Madame Bovary , the narrator seems both sympathetic and critical toward Emma this uncertain viewpoint destabilizes interpretation.

20. Shifts / Breaks in Tense and Time Meaning: Disruptions in the timeline or changes in tense (past to present, future to past) suggest that meaning is not linear or stable. Post-structuralists see this as a sign that language cannot represent reality consistently. Examples: In William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury , time shifts back and forth in a non-linear way, revealing how fragmented perception is. In postmodern novels , flashbacks and time loops blur cause and effect, showing that narrative order is constructed, not natural

21. Shifts / Breaks in Person Meaning: When a text switches from “I” to “you” or “he/she”, it shows that identity and subjectivity are unstable, a key post-structuralist idea. Examples: In Sylvia Plath’s poetry , the speaker often shifts between “I,” “you,” and “she,” revealing fractured identity and self-division. In advertising, the shift from “You need this” to “We offer this” manipulates the relationship between speaker and audience, exposing linguistic. instability.

22. Shifts / Breaks in Attitude Meaning: Changes in moral, political, or emotional stance within a text show that it contains conflicting ideologies . The post-structuralist exposes these contradictions to show that no single moral or truth dominates. Example: In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness , the narrator condemns colonialism but also uses colonial language , a conflicting attitude that reveals the text’s internal tension. In Romantic poetry , the poet might worship nature but also fear its power, a contradiction of attitude central to post-structuralist reading.

23. Post-Structuralism = Deconstruction

24. Post-Structuralism = Deconstruction

25. Clarification Let’s say we analyze a poem that praises “purity” and “truth.” A structuralist will find patterns and oppositions (pure/impure, true/false). A post-structuralist will say: these oppositions are unstable “purity” depends on “impurity” for its meaning. A deconstructionist will show: within the poem itself, the idea of purity collapses the language that defines “pure” actually contains traces of “impure.” Thus, deconstruction is the practice through which post-structuralist theory is applied.

26. What is Deconstruction? According to Peter Barry , Deconstruction is not a destructive act but a method of reading that shows how a text contradicts itself . It was developed by Jacques Derrida (French philosopher) in the late 1960s as part of the post-structuralist movement .

27. Textual Harassment Deconstructionist practices what has been called textual harassment or oppositional reading: “reading. To mask internal contradictions or inconsistencies in the text, aiming to show the disunity that underlies its apparent unity.

28. The Aim / Method of Deconstruction Deconstruction aims to: Reveal how a text undermines its own claims. Show that meaning is never stable or final. Expose binary oppositions (like good/evil, male/female, nature/culture) and how one side is always privileged — and then reverse or question that hierarchy. In short: A deconstructionist reads against the grain — looking for moments where the text says something it did not mean to say.

29. Main Tools of Deconstruction

30. Main Tools of Deconstruction

31. SPD

32. Tools

33. Tools

34. Tools

35. Différance Coined by Derrida (spelled with an “a”). Combines two French verbs: différer (to differ) différer (to defer) So, meaning comes from differences between words, but it is also deferred always delayed. Barry explains: “Meaning is never fully present in a sign; it is always deferred through a chain of signifiers.” Example: The meaning of rose depends on flower, beauty, love, red, etc. an endless chain. So, meaning never arrives fully.

36. Trace In Deconstruction , Trace means the faint presence of something absent , a kind of lingering shadow of the other meanings that are not present in the text but still influence it. Barry (following Derrida) explains that: Every word carries the trace of other possible meanings that it excludes. So, no word is ever pure or self-contained — because its meaning depends on its difference from other words.

37. Poststructuralism Poststructuralism is a literary and philosophical movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s , mainly in France , as a reaction against Structuralism . While Structuralism believed that meaning in language, culture, and literature is stable and can be discovered through studying underlying structures (like grammar or narrative patterns), Poststructuralism argues the opposite — that meaning is unstable , shifting , and dependent on context .

38. Example Take the word “light. " It means brightness — but that meaning only makes sense because we know what “dark” means. So, darkness, even though absent, leaves a trace inside the word light. Hence, in every presence, there is a trace of absence . This shows that meaning is never stable, it’s always haunted by what is not there.

39. Supplement The “supplement” is something added to something supposedly complete. But Derrida shows that the supplement actually makes the original complete meaning; the “original” was never complete on its own. Example (Barry’s style): Writing is said to supplement speech, but this shows that speech was already incomplete and needed writing to exist. So, the secondary thing (writing) becomes primary.

40. Phonocentrism Western culture values speech more than writing , thinking that speech is more natural or closer to the truth. Derrida (and Barry) show that this is false: Writing is not secondary — it actually reveals how meaning is constructed. Barry notes that Derrida uses this to deconstruct Plato’s and Rousseau’s ideas about language.