Literary Theory and Criticism: Derrida and Deconstruction

 Hello views 👋

I am Kavita Chauhan, a student of sem 3 M.A. department of English m.k.b.u.

Thinking Activity 

This Blog as part of thinking Activity on unit 1 literary theory and Criticism: Derrida and Deconstruction.

- assigned by Dilip Barad sir

1. Defining Deconstruction:

Q-1.1. • Why is it difficult to define Deconstruction?

Deconstruction is difficult to define because Derrida believed definitions impose limits on understanding. Instead of being destructive, deconstruction examines the foundations and conditions of intellectual systems. It naturally occurs because the same conditions that create these systems also lead to their undoing, a concept Derrida referred to as "différance," highlighting inherent distinctions and differences.

Q-1.2. • Is Deconstruction a negative term?

No, Deconstruction is not negative term.

Q-1.3. • How does Deconstruction happen on its own?

Deconstruction happens on its own because the same conditions that create intellectual systems also inherently contain the seeds of their undoing. This concept, called "différance" by Derrida, emphasizes the natural emergence of contradictions and instabilities within systems that lead to their deconstruction without external intervention.

2. Heideggar and Derrida:

Q-2.1. • The influence of Heidegger on Derrida

Heidegger significantly influenced Derrida, particularly in challenging traditional Western philosophical views on being and language. Heidegger's ideas about language as speaking itself, not just a tool of human expression, deeply influenced Derrida's critique of "metaphysics of presence" and "logo-centrism."

Q-2.2. • Derridean rethinking of the foundations of Western philosophy

Derrida rethinks Western philosophy by deconstructing traditional ideas like presence and identity, challenging the stability of language and meaning, and advocating for a view where interpretations are contextually fluid rather than fixed.

3. Saussure and Derrida:

Q-3.1. • Ferdinand de Saussureian concept of language (that meaning is arbitrary, relational, constitutive)

Saussureian concept of language states that:

Arbitrariness: There's no inherent connection between words and their meanings.

Relational: Meanings derive from differences between words within the language system.

Constitutive: Language constructs our understanding of reality rather than simply reflecting it.

Q-3.2. • How Derrida deconstructs the idea of arbitrariness?

Derrida deconstructs arbitrariness by showing that meanings are not purely arbitrary but are influenced by historical and cultural contexts, and that they are fluid and contextually contingent rather than fixed and stable.

Q-3.3. • Concept of metaphysics of presence

The "metaphysics of presence" prioritizes the immediate presence or essence of things over their absence or representation, emphasizing what is tangible and fixed. Derrida critiques this by highlighting how language and meaning are shaped by absence and interpretation, challenging the notion of fixed truths.

4. DifferAnce:

Q-4.1. • Derridean concept of DifferAnce

DifferAnce" refers to Derrida's concept where meaning arises through differences between words and concepts rather than fixed identities. It also highlights how meaning is deferred and constantly evolving, challenging the idea of stable, fixed meanings in language and philosophy.

Q-4.2. • Infinite play of meaning

The "infinite play of meaning" refers to Derrida's view that meaning in language is constantly shifting and evolving, challenging the idea of fixed and stable meanings.

Q-4.3. • DIfferAnce = to differ + to defer

DifferAnce" in Derrida's philosophy combines the French words "différer" (to differ) and "déferer" (to defer).

5. Structure, Sign and Play:

Q-5.1. • Structure, Sign and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences

Structure, Sign, and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences" is an influential essay by Jacques Derrida. In it, he examines the nature of structuralism, particularly in the context of anthropology and linguistics. Derrida critiques the belief in underlying structures that provide fixed meanings and identities, arguing instead for the deconstruction of such systems. He discusses how signs and meanings are constantly deferred and interconnected, challenging the notion of stable foundations in human sciences. This essay is pivotal in understanding Derrida's approach to language, meaning, and interpretation.

Q-5.2. • Explain: "Language bears within itself the necessity of its own critique."

The statement "Language bears within itself the necessity of its own critique" means that language, as a system of communication and meaning, contains inherent flaws, ambiguities, and contradictions. These aspects necessitate continuous examination and questioning of how language constructs and influences our understanding of the world. Derrida argues that by critiquing language, we can uncover its limitations, biases, and underlying assumptions, thereby revealing new perspectives and interpretations. This process of critique is essential for understanding the complexities and dynamics of language and its role in shaping human thought and interaction.

6. Yale School:

Q-6.1. • The Yale School: the hub of the practitioners of Deconstruction in the literary theories

The Yale School refers to a group of scholars at Yale University who became known for their engagement with deconstruction in literary theory. Led by critics such as Paul de Man, J. Hillis Miller, Geoffrey Hartman, and Harold Bloom, among others, the Yale School played a significant role in introducing and interpreting Jacques Derrida's deconstructive philosophy within literary studies. Their work focused on challenging traditional interpretations of texts by examining language, meaning, and interpretation through the lens of deconstruction, influencing literary criticism profoundly in the latter half of the 20th century.

Q-6.2. • The characteristics of the Yale School of Deconstruction

 Firstly, looking at literature as rhetorical or figurative construct .

Secondly, they question both the aesthetic as well as formalist approach to literature ; and also question the historist or socialist approach to literature.

Third important characteristic of yale school is their preoccupation with romanticism 

7. Other Schools and Deconstruction:

Q-7.1. • How other schools like New Historicism, Cultural Materialism, Feminism, Marxism and Postcolonial theorists used Deconstruction?

Other schools of literary theory, such as New Historicism, Cultural Materialism, Feminism, Marxism, and Postcolonialism, have engaged with deconstruction in various ways:

New Historicism: Uses deconstruction to analyze how texts reflect and contest historical contexts and ideologies.

Cultural Materialism: Applies deconstruction to critique power structures and social contexts reflected in literature and culture.

Feminism: Utilizes deconstruction to expose and challenge gendered assumptions and power dynamics in texts.

Marxism: Engages with deconstruction to critique capitalist ideologies and class inequalities in literature.

Postcolonialism: Uses deconstruction to critique colonial histories and representations in literature, challenging hegemonic narratives.

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