Structualism and Post-structuralism

 

Structuralism and poststructuralism are theoretical frameworks of language and literature that emerged in the mid-20th century. These approaches are concerned with understanding the underlying structures and systems that shape meaning in language. While structuralism focuses on bringing out the universal structures and patterns, poststructuralism challenges the idea of fixed structures and emphasizes the instability and ambiguity of meaning. Poststructuralism remarkably concentrate on the endless wordplay of language. 

 

Key concepts of Structuralism:

Universal Structures: Structuralism posits that there are underlying, universal structures that govern language and culture. These structures shape the meaning of literary texts.

Binary Oppositions: Structuralists often analyze texts through binary oppositions, contrasting pairs that define each other by their differences (e.g., good/evil, male/female, presence/absence).

 Differential Relations: According to structuralism, meaning is produced through a system of differential relations. Each element within a structure gains significance by being distinct from other elements. The structure itself is defined by the relationships between these elements.

Hierarchy and Structure: Structuralists argue that structures have an inherent hierarchy, where certain terms are privileged over others. For instance, in the binary opposition of light/darkness, light might be privileged as positive or good, while darkness is seen as negative or evil.

 

Langue and Parole: Structuralist linguist Ferdinand de Saussure introduced the concepts of "langue" (language as a system) and "parole" (individual instances of speech or writing). Structuralists analyze the underlying langue to understand the parole.

 

The concepts of signifier and signified are fundamental elements in structuralism. These concepts were initially developed by the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure. Understanding the relationship between signifier and signified is crucial in comprehending how language and other systems of signs function.

Signifier:

The signifier is the physical form of a sign. It is the sound pattern, the written word, or the image that we perceive through our senses. In spoken language, the signifier is the sequence of sounds or phonemes. In written language, it is the written word or the combination of letters. For example, the spoken and written word "cat" is a signifier.

Signified:

The signified is the concept or mental image associated with the signifier. It is the meaning that the signifier conveys. Using the example of the signifier "cat," the signified is the mental concept we have of a cat —an animal, four legs, a tail, etc. The signified is the mental representation or idea triggered by the signifier.

Example:

• Signifier: The word "rose."
• Signified: The mental concept or image of a rose, with its characteristics such as petals, fragrance, and thorns.

In this example, the signifier is the written or spoken word "rose," and the signified is the mental image or concept of an actual rose that comes to mind. It's important to note that the relationship between the signifier and signified is arbitrary and culturally determined. There is no inherent connection between the word "rose" and the actual flower; this connection is established through language and shared cultural conventions.

Saussure's model of the signifier and signified highlights the arbitrariness of linguistic signs and emphasizes that meaning is derived from the relationships between signs within a system rather than from any inherent connection between signs and the objects or concepts they represent. This insight has had a significant impact on fields such as linguistics, semiotics, and literary theory.

 

Let's explore the theme of Nature and Culture/ civilization as a binary opposition in William Wordsworth's poem Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey.

Nature/ Culture or Civilization:

Nature: Wordsworth celebrates the restorative power of nature and its ability to evoke profound emotions. In the poem, the natural landscape, including the river, mountains, and woods, is depicted as a source of solace and spiritual renewal. For example, he describes the "beauteous forms" and "wild ecstasies" experienced in the natural setting.

Civilization: On the other hand, Wordsworth reflects on the negative effects of city life and the passage of time. The cities were contrasted with the serene and tranquil scenes of nature. The pressures and artificialities of urban life stand in opposition to the simplicity and purity of the natural world.

 

 

Poststructuralism: as a reaction against structuralist reading practices.

Deconstruction: Poststructuralism, particularly associated with Jacques Derrida, emphasizes the deconstruction of binary oppositions and fixed meanings. It questions the stability and logical consistency of texts.

Multiplicity of Meanings: Poststructuralists argue that meaning is not fixed but is contingent on various factors, including cultural context, individual interpretation, and the instability of language.

Reader-Centered: Unlike structuralism, which focuses on the text itself, poststructuralism considers the role of the reader in constructing meaning. The reader's interpretation becomes a crucial aspect of literary analysis.

Intertextuality: Poststructuralists highlight the interconnectedness of texts, emphasizing that meaning is often derived from the interplay of different texts and cultural references.

structuralism seeks universal structures and patterns, while poststructuralism challenges fixed meanings and emphasizes the multiplicity of interpretations, considering the role of the reader in constructing meaning. Both approaches have significantly influenced literary theory and criticism.