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

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Structuralism:
o
o
o
o

It is a literary theory.
It can be related it with text and make study of text.
System of recurrent patterns or motifs.
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.

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Two types of differences:

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Origin
Structuralism

Post-structuralism

Derives from Linguistics.

Derives from

Observe accurately.

Philosophy.

Collect data systematically.

It is just oral.

Logical deduction.

Sceptical by nature.

Able to find reliable

Usually undercuts.

conclusion.

Questions notions and

Inherits Scientific outlook.

assumption.

Believes in system, method

Inherits habit of

and reason.

scepticism.

Able to establish reliable

Fully conscious about

truth.

the irony and paradox.

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Tone & Style
Structuralism
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

Post-structuralism
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

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Attitude to
Structuralism
The linguistic medium
An orderly system
Not choice
Use: To think and to
perceive

Language

Post-structuralism

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 words
Use: to deconstruct a text

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Project By
Structuralism
Questions our way of
structuring and
categorizing reality
Free of habitual modes
of perception or
categorization
More reliable view of
thing

Post-structuralism
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

Differences: Structuralism & Poststructuralism

Practical
Differences:
Structuralism

o Parallels / Echoes
o Balances
oReflections / Repetitions
o Symmetry
o Contrasts
o Patterns
o Effect: to show textual unity
and coherence

Post-structuralism
o Contradictions/ Paradox
o Shifts/ Breaks in: Tone,
Viewpoint, Tense, Time,
Person, Attitude
o Conflicts
o Absences/ Omissions
o Linguistic quirks
o Aporia
o Effect: to show textual
disunity

Thank
you.