Introduction: “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins
“A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins first appeared in College English (Vol. 50, No. 7) in November 1988, published by the National Council of Teachers of English. This essay offers a transcribed and edited version of a talk delivered by Tompkins at the NCTE Summer Institute on the Teaching of Literature in June 1987. Within this piece, Tompkins introduces post-structuralism as a transformative lens for understanding literature and criticism, dismantling the conventional separation between reader, text, method, and interpretation. Central to the essay is the notion that post-structuralism challenges the idea of static, autonomous entities—be they the “reader” or the “text”—and instead posits that all are interwoven within dynamic systems of differences shaped by cultural and linguistic codes. Drawing heavily on Saussure’s linguistic theories and Derrida’s concept of différance, Tompkins elucidates how meaning and identity are not inherent but are produced relationally through opposition within these systems. Her insights emphasize the impossibility of a fixed interpretive stance, arguing that attempts to “apply” post-structuralism are themselves acts constituted by underlying frameworks of difference. This work is significant for its accessible explanation of complex theories, bridging literary criticism and linguistic philosophy, and for reshaping approaches to teaching and understanding texts in cultural and political contexts.
Summary of “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins
Introduction: The Challenge of Post-Structuralism
- Critique of the Traditional Model: Traditional literary criticism assumes four discrete entities—reader (subject), method, text, and interpretation. The reader applies a chosen framework to the text, leading to an interpretation (Tompkins, 1988, p. 733).
- Post-Structuralism’s Collapsing of Boundaries: Post-structuralism unifies these entities into a single, evolving discourse. It asserts that all meaning emerges from a culturally constructed interpretive framework (p. 734).
Saussure’s Foundations of Language
- The Arbitrary Nature of the Sign: Saussure challenges the conventional understanding that language directly represents reality. A “sign” comprises the “signifier” (sound/image) and the “signified” (concept), connected by social convention rather than inherent logic (p. 735).
- Language as a System of Differences: Meaning arises not from the inherent value of words but their difference from one another (p. 736). For example, “foot” and “feet” gain meaning through their relational distinction.
- Relational Identity: Saussure’s example of the “8:25 Geneva-to-Paris train” illustrates that identity is derived from positionality within a system, not inherent substance (p. 737).
Derrida’s Contribution: Différance
- Introduction to Différance: Derrida builds on Saussure, emphasizing that meaning is perpetually deferred within a system of differences. The term “différance” encapsulates both spatial (to differ) and temporal (to defer) dimensions (p. 740).
- Inaudible and Invisible Differences: Derrida highlights that meaning depends on differences that are themselves imperceptible, such as the silent distinction between “cat” and “mat” (p. 741).
- Language and Self: Derrida argues that the self is constituted by language. Our perceptions, including of ourselves, are shaped by cultural and linguistic frameworks (p. 746).
Implications for Literary Criticism
- Anti-Application of Methods: Tompkins asserts that post-structuralism resists the notion of “applying” a method to a text because both the method and the text are products of interpretation (p. 747).
- Discourse Reproduces Itself: Post-structuralism reveals that interpretation is not external to the system but an extension of the interpretive codes that constitute our understanding of texts and ourselves (p. 747).
Key Contributions
- Critique of Objectivity: Both Saussure and Derrida challenge the idea of fixed meanings, showing how meaning is relational and culturally constructed.
- Integration of Reader, Text, and Interpretation: Post-structuralism collapses traditional distinctions, treating reading as an act embedded within larger systems of discourse.
- Frameworks and Cultural Codes: The self and the objects it perceives are culturally and linguistically constituted, rejecting notions of innate or essential identity.
Theoretical Terms/Concepts in “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins
| Theoretical Term/Concept | Definition/Explanation | Reference in the Article |
| Sign | A linguistic unit comprising a “signifier” (sound/image) and “signified” (concept). Their connection is arbitrary. | Based on Saussure’s Course in General Linguistics (Tompkins, 1988, p. 735). |
| Arbitrariness of the Sign | The relationship between signifier and signified is based on social convention, not inherent logic. | Saussure’s principle (p. 735). |
| System of Differences | Meaning arises from the relational differences between elements in a linguistic system. | Saussure’s linguistic theory (p. 736). |
| Relational Identity | Identity is defined by an entity’s position in a system, not by inherent characteristics. | Illustrated through the “8:25 Geneva-to-Paris train” example (p. 737). |
| Différance | Derrida’s term that combines spatial (to differ) and temporal (to defer) aspects to explain the deferral of meaning. | Defined and elaborated in Derrida’s Différance (p. 740). |
| Conventionality of Value | Value, whether linguistic or aesthetic, is culturally constructed and determined by interpretive frameworks. | Explained with examples from chess and sculpture (p. 738). |
| Cultural Constitution of the Self | The self is shaped by cultural and linguistic systems of differences, not by innate essence. | Derrida’s critique of selfhood (p. 746). |
| Interpretive Framework | The cultural and linguistic codes through which meaning is produced and perceived. | Central to post-structuralism’s collapse of reader, method, text, and interpretation (p. 747). |
| Discourse | The evolving field of language and interpretation that constitutes meaning and identity. | Post-structuralism’s collapsing of traditional boundaries (p. 747). |
| Anti-Foundationalism | The rejection of absolute starting points or inherent truths in systems of knowledge. | Derrida’s critique of foundational principles (p. 743). |
Contribution of “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins to Literary Theory/Theories
General Contributions
- Critique of Traditional Literary Criticism: Challenges the traditional model of criticism, which separates reader, method, text, and interpretation as distinct entities (Tompkins, 1988, p. 733).
- Unified Discourse Model: Introduces the post-structuralist perspective that collapses reader, method, text, and interpretation into a continuous field of evolving discourse (p. 734).
Saussure’s Linguistic Framework
- Reinforces Saussurean Linguistics: Explores Saussure’s idea of the arbitrariness of the sign, emphasizing that linguistic meaning is based on relational differences rather than inherent connections (p. 735-736).
- Expands on Linguistic Identity: Applies the relational nature of identity in language to broader cultural and literary contexts, demonstrating the constructed nature of meaning and value (p. 737-738).
Derrida’s Influence on Theory
- Introduction of Différance: Expands literary theory by incorporating Derrida’s concept of différance, which emphasizes the perpetual deferral of meaning and the relational basis of identity (p. 740-741).
- Critique of Presence and Fixed Meaning: Explores Derrida’s notion that linguistic and conceptual meaning is always shifting, undermining the idea of fixed interpretation in texts (p. 743-744).
Cultural and Interpretive Frameworks
- Cultural Construction of Identity: Highlights how the self and objects of perception are culturally and linguistically constituted, rejecting notions of innate meaning or identity (p. 746).
- Role of Interpretive Frameworks in Meaning: Shows how meaning is produced through interpretive systems that vary by cultural context, influencing how texts are read and understood (p. 747).
Applications to Literary Criticism
- Post-Structuralist Critique of Methodology: Argues against the “application” of methods to literary texts, as both method and text are already products of interpretation (p. 747).
- Discourse and Reproduction of Meaning: Suggests that interpretation is part of a larger, self-reproducing system of discourse, making literary criticism an act of participating in this system (p. 747).
Anti-Foundationalism
- Rejection of Absolute Starting Points: Aligns with Derrida’s critique of foundational principles, asserting that there are no inherent truths or fixed starting points in literary theory (p. 743).
Integration of Aesthetic and Literary Value
- Conventionality of Value: Shows that aesthetic and literary values are not intrinsic but arise from culturally constructed interpretive frameworks (p. 738).
Broader Impacts on Literary Theory
- Bridges Linguistics and Literary Criticism: Uses Saussure’s and Derrida’s insights to connect linguistic theory with the practices of literary analysis (p. 735-741).
- Expands Reader-Response Theory: Reframes the role of the reader as an active participant in the evolving field of discourse rather than a detached interpreter (p. 734).
Examples of Critiques Through “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins
| Literary Work | Critique Based on Post-Structuralist Insights | Key Theoretical Reference |
| Heart of Darkness (Joseph Conrad) | Post-structuralism would deconstruct the text’s colonial themes by showing how the portrayal of Africa is shaped by cultural and linguistic codes, rather than objective representation. | Critique of cultural construction and interpretive frameworks (Tompkins, 1988, p. 747). |
| Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) | The identity of characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy can be analyzed as relational constructs shaped by the societal and linguistic systems of Regency England. | Saussure’s concept of relational identity (p. 737). |
| The Waste Land (T.S. Eliot) | The poem’s fragmented narrative and intertextuality illustrate Derrida’s différance, as meaning is deferred across cultural and historical references. | Derrida’s theory of deferral and relational meaning (p. 740). |
| Beloved (Toni Morrison) | The depiction of memory and trauma in Beloved can be explored through post-structuralism, revealing how language mediates the construction of historical and personal identity. | Cultural construction of identity and the role of discourse in shaping perception (p. 746). |
Criticism Against “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins
Theoretical and Conceptual Critiques
- Overemphasis on Collapse of Boundaries: Critics argue that the complete collapse of distinctions between reader, text, and method risks undermining the practical application of literary theory.
- Lack of Practical Applicability: The notion that post-structuralism cannot be “applied” to texts may leave educators and practitioners without clear guidance for analyzing literature (Tompkins, 1988, p. 747).
- Dependence on Abstract Concepts: The reliance on complex and abstract ideas, such as Derrida’s différance, can alienate readers unfamiliar with foundational linguistic and philosophical theories (p. 740).
- Resistance to Fixed Interpretations: The rejection of fixed meanings and interpretive methods may be seen as overly relativistic, leaving no stable ground for critical discourse.
Pedagogical Challenges
- Accessibility for Students: The dense theoretical language and abstract examples may make it challenging for students or novice readers to grasp key concepts.
- Difficulty in Teaching Literature: By negating the applicability of critical methods, the essay may inadvertently complicate the teaching of literature in structured academic contexts.
Engagement with Opposing Theories
- Minimal Consideration of Alternative Frameworks: The essay does not extensively engage with other theoretical models, such as formalism or structuralism, to present a balanced critique.
- Potential Overgeneralization of Traditional Criticism: The essay’s critique of traditional models may oversimplify their diversity and contributions to literary theory.
Linguistic and Cultural Limitations
- Western-Centric Perspective: The reliance on Saussure and Derrida centers Western philosophical and linguistic traditions, potentially overlooking non-Western frameworks and interpretations of language and literature.
- Neglect of Historical Materialism: Post-structuralism’s emphasis on discourse and linguistic systems may disregard the socio-economic and material conditions influencing literature.
Critical Reception
- Philosophical Overload: Some readers may find the essay too focused on philosophical exposition rather than practical examples of how post-structuralism alters literary analysis.
- Potential Misinterpretation of Saussure and Derrida: Critics argue that simplifying complex theories for literary critique risks misrepresenting or diluting their original philosophical intent.
Representative Quotations from “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins with Explanation
| Quotation | Explanation |
| “Post-structuralism collapses all four of these entities into a simultaneity, into a single, continuous act of interpretation.” (p. 734) | Highlights how post-structuralism rejects discrete categories like reader, method, text, and interpretation, instead emphasizing their interdependence. |
| “We—reader or subject and the ‘text’—are not freestanding autonomous entities, but beings that are culturally constituted by interpretive frameworks.” (p. 734) | Emphasizes that both readers and texts are shaped by cultural codes, making interpretation a culturally embedded process. |
| “Language is a system of pure values which are determined by nothing except the momentary arrangement of its terms.” (p. 736) | A key Saussurean idea showing that linguistic meaning arises from differences, not intrinsic properties of words or concepts. |
| “The arbitrary nature of the sign is the principle from which everything else in Saussure follows.” (p. 735) | Central to Saussure’s theory, this shows that the relationship between signifier (sound) and signified (concept) is based on convention, not inherent logic. |
| “Differance is not something we can either see or hear. It is what enables other things to appear.” (p. 740) | A Derridean concept underscoring how meaning and identity emerge through the interplay of differences, which themselves remain invisible. |
| “The sign represents the present in its absence. It takes the place of the present.” (p. 744) | Demonstrates Derrida’s notion that signs mediate reality, making the present accessible only through deferred representation. |
| “In language, identity is only and always relational.” (p. 737) | Explains how the meaning of linguistic elements depends not on intrinsic qualities but on their position within a system of relations. |
| “To talk about applying post-structuralism assumes the following: that we have free-standing subjects, objects, methods, and interpretations.” (p. 747) | Critiques the idea of applying post-structuralism as it denies the separateness of these categories, advocating instead for a continuous process of discourse. |
| “As soon as you name it, you have unnamed it.” (p. 740) | Reflects the paradoxical nature of post-structuralist thought, where defining a concept alters its meaning within the system of differences. |
| “Language is not secondary or provisional… because things themselves are linguistically constituted.” (p. 744) | Stresses that language does not merely describe reality but actively constructs it, making the world itself a product of discourse. |
Suggested Readings: “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism” by Jane Tompkins
- Tompkins, Jane. “A Short Course in Post-Structuralism.” College English, vol. 50, no. 7, 1988, pp. 733–47. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/377671. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
- Lynn, Steven. “A Passage into Critical Theory.” College English, vol. 52, no. 3, 1990, pp. 258–71. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/377749. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
- “General Studies.” Journal of Modern Literature, vol. 16, no. 2/3, 1989, pp. 187–308. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3831509. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
- Reynolds, Jean. “DECONSTRUCTING HENRY HIGGINS, OR ELIZA AS DERRIDEAN ‘TEXT.’” Shaw, vol. 14, 1994, pp. 209–17. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40655122. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.