difference structuralism & post-structuralism

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


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.


Two types of differences:

Differences: Structuralism

& Post-structuralism

Practical Difference

Theoretical Difference


Theoretical

Difference

Origins

Tone and Style

Attitude to

Language

Project By


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.


Tone & Style


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


Attitude to Language


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


Project By


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


Practical Differences:


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….

Education

difference structuralism & post-structuralism