Deconstructionism in Literature

Introduction to Deconstructionism

Deconstructionism in literature is a critical theory that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily associated with the French philosopher Jacques Derrida. It challenges traditional notions of meaning and interpretation within texts by de-centering binary oppositions and revealing the instability and multiplicity of meanings inherent in language.

Deconstructionism introduces the concept of “différance,” emphasizing the constant deferral and difference in meaning, which leads to undecidability and perpetual play of signifiers. It also acknowledges the reader’s role in constructing meaning and critiques “logocentrism,” advocating a view that meaning is contingent and always open to revision.

Deconstructionism: Reaction to Structuralism

• Limitations of Structuralism: Deconstruction emerged as a response to the limitations and assumptions of structuralism, a dominant approach to literary analysis at the time.
• Challenge to Binary Oppositions: Deconstruction sought to reveal and question the binary oppositions present in texts, which were often emphasized in structuralist analysis.
• Interrogation of Hierarchies: Deconstruction aimed to deconstruct and destabilize hierarchical structures and dualistic thinking prevalent in structuralist theory.
• Critique of Fixed Meanings: Deconstruction questioned the idea of fixed and stable meanings proposed by structuralism, emphasizing the inherent instability of language.
• Exploration of Language’s Constructed Nature: Deconstruction emphasized the constructed nature of meaning, challenging the structuralist view of language as a transparent and objective system.
• Unveiling Inherent Instabilities: Deconstruction exposed the inherent instabilities and contradictions within texts, undermining the coherence and unity assumed by structuralism.
• Subversion of Authorial Intention: Deconstruction challenged the notion of the author’s intention as the ultimate determinant of a text’s meaning, countering the author-centered approach of structuralism.

Criticism Against Deconstructionism

Here are some common criticisms of deconstructionism:

Criticism	Explanation
1. Lack of Objectivity	Deconstructionism’s rejection of objective truth can be seen as a challenge to traditional notions of interpretation. Critics argue that this approach may lead to relativism and subjectivity, making it challenging to establish meaningful interpretations of a text.
2. Overemphasis on Language	Deconstructionism’s strong emphasis on language has been criticized for disconnecting theory from the real world. Critics argue that this can hinder the application of deconstructionist theory to other fields, such as politics or economics.
3. Obscurity	Critics argue that deconstructionist texts can be excessively complex and difficult to understand. This level of complexity can create barriers for readers to engage with the theory and apply it to their own reading practices.
4. Political Neutrality	Deconstructionism has faced criticism for its perceived lack of political commitment. Critics argue that this detachment from real-world issues may hinder meaningful political action and engagement.
5. Incoherence	Critics argue that deconstructionism can lead to a fragmented approach to texts, where meanings are constantly in flux and difficult to establish. This lack of coherence may make it challenging to arrive at clear and stable interpretations of a text.
6. Lack of Empirical Evidence	Deconstructionism has been criticized for being based on abstract and speculative ideas rather than empirical evidence. Critics argue that this can make it difficult to evaluate the validity and reliability of deconstructionist claims.

These criticisms and explanations provide a balanced perspective on some of the key concerns raised regarding deconstructionism.

Examples of Deconstructionism

Here are some examples of deconstructionist literary analysis:

1. Jacques Derrida’s Of Grammatology

It is a classic example of deconstructionist literary theory. In this seminal work, Derrida argues that language is inherently unstable and meaning is constantly shifting. He famously asserts, “The meaning of the outside was always present within the inside, imprisoned outside the outside, and vice versa” (32). By emphasizing the ever-changing nature of meaning, Derrida challenges the notion that a fixed interpretation of a text is a possibility. He urges readers to critically engage with the complex interplay of signifiers, unraveling the inherent contradictions and ambiguities within a text. Of Grammatology exemplifies Derrida’s radical departure from traditional approaches to interpretation, inviting a more fluid and dynamic understanding of literary works through deconstructionist principles.

2. From Hamlet by William Shakespeare

“To be or not to be, that is the question” from Hamlet, when analyzed through the lens of deconstructionist literary theory, reveals the inherent instability and fluidity of meaning. In deconstructionist terms, this iconic phrase challenges the binary opposition between existence and non-existence, suggesting that the distinction between the two is not fixed or objectively determinable. Instead, the line embodies a play of contradictions, as the concept of being is constantly in flux. The word “question” itself introduces doubt and ambiguity, questioning the possibility of a definitive answer. It also shows the multiplicity of interpretations and the various layers of meaning within this line, unveiling the complexities and contradictions that underlie seemingly straightforward statements. By deconstructing the oppositions and hierarchies embedded in the phrase, we recognize that its meaning is not fixed but rather subject to a continuous process of interpretation, reflection, and recontextualization.

3. From Beloved by Toni Morrison

The statement “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another” from Beloved challenges the binary opposition between freedom and ownership. It suggests that they are not easily separable or mutually exclusive. In deconstructionist terms, the extract highlights the instability of these concepts and questions the fixed meanings attributed to them. The phrase “freeing yourself” implies an act of liberation, but the subsequent statement complicates this notion by introducing the idea of “claiming ownership.” The use of “claiming” suggests an active effort to assert control and possess something, in this case, the liberated self. However, the juxtaposition of “claiming ownership” with “that freed self” raises questions about the nature of this self and the limits of ownership. Does true ownership of the self exist, or is it an illusion? Furthermore, the extract implies that freedom and self-ownership are not straightforward achievements but rather ongoing processes that entail struggles and negotiations. Deconstructionist analysis encourages us to critically examine the language, assumptions, and power dynamics at play in this extract, challenging fixed interpretations and inviting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of freedom and selfhood in Morrison’s “Beloved.”

4. From Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Garden of Forking Paths”

Extract: “This web of time – the strands of which approach one another, bifurcate, intersect or ignore each other through the centuries – embraces every possibility. We do not exist in most of them. In some you exist and not I, while in others I do, and you do not.”

A deconstructionist reading of this paragraph reveals the inherent instability and multiplicity of possibilities within the concept of time. The passage suggests a complex web of temporal strands that continuously interact, diverge, converge, or disregard each other throughout the centuries. It implies that this web of time encompasses every conceivable possibility. Also, it challenges the notion of fixed existence by asserting that we do not exist in most of these possibilities. This undermines the idea of a singular, objective reality and highlights the contingent nature of our existence. The passage further disrupts traditional binary oppositions by presenting various scenarios where either the speaker or the listener exists while the other does not.

Keywords in Deconstructionism

1. Différance: A central concept in Deconstruction, it refers to the constant deferral and difference in meaning within language, highlighting that meaning is never fully present but is always deferred to other signifiers.
2. Binary Oppositions: Deconstruction challenges traditional binary pairs (e.g., good/evil, presence/absence) by revealing their interconnectedness and mutual dependence, blurring the boundaries between opposites.
3. Undecidability: Deconstructionism literary theory asserts the undecidability of language, suggesting that complete and fixed interpretations are impossible, leading to a perpetual play of signifiers and meanings.
4. Logocentrism: It critiques the belief in a fixed and privileged center of meaning in language and thought, exposing the contradictions and absence of a stable foundation in linguistic and philosophical systems.
5. De-centering: Deconstruction de-centers established hierarchies and challenges the authority of any single interpretation or perspective, emphasizing the need to consider multiple viewpoints.
6. Textual Subversion: Deconstructionism literary theory involves subverting conventional interpretations of texts, emphasizing their inherent contradictions and ambiguities, often through strategies of wordplay and irony.
7. Reader-Response: Deconstruction acknowledges the reader’s active role in constructing meaning, highlighting the subjectivity of interpretation and the importance of individual perspectives.
8. Play of Signifiers: It emphasizes the fluidity of language, where words and symbols continually interact and shift in meaning, making fixed interpretations elusive.
9. Difficult Reading: Deconstruction often involves complex and challenging readings of texts, requiring readers to engage deeply with the layers of meaning and ambiguity within a text.
10. Metaphysics of Presence: Deconstructionism literary theory questions the traditional metaphysical assumption that meaning is grounded in a stable, present reality, instead revealing the inherent instability of language and thought.

Suggested Readings

1. Barthes, Roland. Image-Music-Text. Translated by Stephen Heath, Hill and Wang, 1977.
2. Culler, Jonathan. On Deconstruction: Theory and Criticism after Structuralism. Cornell University Press, 1982.
3. Derrida, Jacques. Of Grammatology. Translated by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997.
4. Derrida, Jacques. Writing and Difference. Translated by Alan Bass, University of Chicago Press, 1978.
5. Norris, Christopher. Deconstruction: Theory and Practice. Routledge, 2002.
6. Waugh, Patricia. Feminine Fictions: Revisiting the Postmodern. Routledge, 1992.
7. Wolfreys, Julian. Deconstruction: Derrida and the Humanities. Palgrave Macmillan, 2006.