structuralism poststructuralism
Overview
This lesson introduces Structuralism and Post-structuralism, two influential literary theories that profoundly shaped how we understand texts, language, and meaning. Structuralism seeks underlying systems and structures, while Post-structuralism critiques these fixed meanings, emphasizing instability and the role of the reader.
Introduction to Structuralism
Structuralism emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily from linguistics (Ferdinand de Saussure) and anthropology (Claude Lévi-Strauss). It posits that meaning is not inherent in individual words or objects but arises from their relationship within a larger system or structure. Structuralists belie...
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Key Concepts
- Signifier: The form a sign takes (e.g., the word 'tree').
- Signified: The concept or meaning the signifier represents (e.g., the mental image of a tree).
- Binary Oppositions: Pairs of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning (e.g., good/evil, male/female).
- Logocentrism: The belief that there is a primary, foundational word or 'logos' that guarantees meaning and truth.
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Exam Tips
- →Clearly define key terms like 'signifier/signified', 'binary opposition', 'logocentrism', and 'deconstruction' in your essays.
- →When applying these theories, provide specific textual examples to illustrate your points. Don't just state the theory; show how it works in practice.
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