1. 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
2. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
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.
3. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Two types of differences:
Differences:
Structuralism &
Post-structuralism
Practical
Difference
Theoretical
Difference
4. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Theoretical
Difference
Origins
Tone
and
Style
Attitude
to
Language
Project
By
5. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
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.
6. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Tone & Style
Structuralism Post-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
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
7. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Attitude to Language
Structuralism Post-structuralism
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 words
Use: to deconstruct a text
8. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Project By
Structuralism Post-structuralism
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
9. Differences: Structuralism & Post-structuralism
Practical Differences:
Structuralism Post-structuralism
o Parallels / Echoes
o Balances
oReflections / Repetitions
o Symmetry
o Contrasts
o Patterns
o Effect: to show textual unity and
coherence
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