Introduction: “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
“White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida, translated by F. C. T. Moore, was first written in 1971 and later translated into English in 1982. It was included in Derrida’s collection “Margins of Philosophy.” The essay is a seminal work in literary theory, deconstructing the Western philosophical tradition’s reliance on metaphors and exposing its “white mythology.” Derrida argues that philosophy often disguises its figurative language as literal truth, creating a system of thought that prioritizes presence and clarity over absence and ambiguity. The essay’s relevance to literary theory and literature lies in its exploration of the relationship between language and thought, challenging traditional notions of meaning and interpretation. It encourages readers to question the underlying assumptions of texts and to consider the ways in which language constructs reality.
Summary of “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
- Central Theme: Metaphor in Philosophy: Jacques Derrida’s “White Mythology” delves deeply into the pivotal role of metaphor within philosophical discourse, arguing that metaphors are not merely decorative or rhetorical elements but are fundamental to philosophical thinking itself. Derrida asserts that metaphors shape how abstract concepts are understood and communicated, suggesting that the very structure of philosophical reasoning is metaphorically underpinned. This exploration sets the stage for re-evaluating the presumed clarity and objectivity of philosophical language, proposing that metaphors infuse abstract thoughts with material imagery, thereby influencing the interpretation and evolution of philosophical ideas. Derrida highlights the inherent power of metaphors in philosophy, challenging the traditional view of them as peripheral components. He argues that metaphors actively shape and transform philosophical narratives, acting not just as tools of language but as forces that dictate the flow and direction of philosophical thought. This power of metaphor is seen as both creative and destructive, capable of generating new insights while simultaneously obscuring original meanings. This dual capacity underscores the dynamic and transformative impact of metaphors in philosophical texts.
- Degradation and Revaluation of Metaphor: The concept of “usure,” or wear and tear of metaphors, plays a crucial role in Derrida’s analysis. He explains that over time, metaphors undergo a process of degradation where their original potency and clarity diminish, similar to how a frequently used coin loses its inscriptions. This degradation, however, is paradoxically also a form of revaluation, where the faded metaphor gains new meanings and applications within different philosophical contexts. This cycle of wear and enrichment reflects the evolving nature of language and thought in philosophical discourse.
- Metaphor’s Economic Analogy: Derrida employs an economic analogy to deepen our understanding of metaphor, comparing the use of metaphors to the circulation of currency. Just as coins lose their distinctiveness through wear, metaphors lose their specificity over time and through repeated use. However, like currency that still holds value despite its worn state, metaphors retain a functional and exchangeable quality. This analogy illuminates the transactional nature of metaphors in philosophy, where they serve as mediums of exchange between concrete and abstract realms.
- Metaphor’s Role in Masking and Unmasking Philosophical Truths: Derrida posits that metaphors both reveal and conceal truths within philosophical arguments. By transforming the originary sense of words into metaphors, philosophy engages in a dual act of revealing hidden meanings and obscuring direct interpretations. This function of metaphor as a mask and unmasker complicates the straightforward transmission of knowledge, suggesting that understanding in philosophy is inherently mediated by linguistic transformations.
- Transcendence through Folklore and Literary Allusions The essay discusses how metaphors can transcend their immediate literary contexts by incorporating folklore and allusions, which enrich philosophical narratives with deeper cultural and historical resonances. This transcendence through metaphor allows for a more nuanced exploration of themes such as nature, divinity, and the human condition, bridging the gap between personal experience and universal truths.
- Interplay of Language and Economy in Metaphor Exploring the intersection between economic principles and linguistic structures, Derrida shows how metaphors function like currency within the economy of language. This interplay highlights the commodification of words and ideas, where metaphors not only convey but also trade meanings within the intellectual marketplace. This perspective challenges the traditional separation between linguistic expression and economic activity, presenting a unified field of metaphorical exchange.
- Necessity for Metaphor in Philosophical Discourse Derrida argues against the potential reduction of philosophy to mere metaphorology, emphasizing the essential role of metaphors in enriching philosophical discourse without undermining its seriousness. By studying metaphors, philosophers can explore the underlying structures of thought and expression, acknowledging the complexity and indispensability of metaphorical reasoning within philosophical practices.
- Challenges in Defining Metaphor within Philosophical Paradigms The difficulty of defining metaphor within philosophical frameworks is a key focus, highlighting the elusive nature of metaphors that escape rigid classification. This elusiveness challenges philosophers to continually reassess the boundaries and definitions of metaphor, ensuring that philosophical inquiry remains open and responsive to the evolving nature of language and thought.
- Elliptical Nature of Metaphor in Philosophy Derrida introduces the concept of the metaphorical “ellipsis,” where metaphors imply more than they explicitly state, requiring active interpretation and engagement from the reader. This elliptical quality makes metaphors both intriguing and challenging, as they propel philosophical inquiry forward through the dynamic interplay between stated and unstated meanings.
- Natural and Cultural Implications of Metaphor The essay examines the natural and cultural dimensions of metaphor, arguing that metaphors are both innate to human cognition and shaped by cultural contexts. This dual aspect underscores the role of metaphors in reflecting and shaping human understanding, linking individual creativity with collective cultural narratives.
- Existential and Systemic Implications of Metaphor Finally, Derrida explores how metaphors influence both individual existential experiences and systemic philosophical structures. By shaping how we conceptualize and interact with the world, metaphors play a crucial role in the formation of both personal identities and comprehensive philosophical systems, highlighting their foundational role in both realms of human experience.
Literary Terms/Concepts in “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
| Literary Term/Concept | Definition | Explanation in “White Mythology” |
| White Mythology | The underlying metaphorical structure of Western philosophy that privileges presence, light, and truth over absence, darkness, and metaphor. | Derrida argues that philosophy often disguises its reliance on metaphors by presenting them as literal truths, creating a “white mythology” that obscures the figurative nature of language. This concept is not explicitly coined in “White Mythology” but is a central theme explored throughout the essay. |
| Usure | A French term meaning both “wear and tear” and “usury” (excessive interest). | Derrida uses this term to describe the process by which metaphors lose their original power and become worn out through repeated use. He also connects it to the concept of usury, suggesting that metaphors can be exploited and manipulated for profit. |
| Palimpsest | A manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain. | Derrida uses this term to describe the way in which philosophical concepts are built upon layers of previous metaphors and meanings, with traces of these earlier meanings still present in the current usage. |
| Heliotrope | A plant that turns towards the sun, also a green stone with red veins. | Derrida uses this term to describe the cyclical relationship between philosophy and metaphor, where philosophy attempts to move beyond metaphor but ultimately returns to it. The heliotrope also represents the idea of writing on stone, suggesting the permanence and authority of philosophical concepts. |
| Dissemination | The spreading or scattering of something. | Derrida uses this term to describe the way in which meaning is not fixed but constantly shifting and open to multiple interpretations. He also connects it to the concept of usure, suggesting that the meaning of metaphors can be disseminated and dispersed through repeated use. |
| Metaphor of Metaphor | A metaphor used to describe or explain another metaphor. | Derrida uses this term to highlight the self-referential nature of philosophical language, where metaphors are often used to explain other metaphors, creating a potentially endless chain of signification. |
Contribution of “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
· Exploration of Metaphor’s Philosophical Underpinnings
- Example: Deconstruction theory — Derrida’s analysis of metaphor challenges the traditional assumptions about language’s transparency and neutrality in conveying meaning. This contributes to the deconstructive approach in literary theory, which interrogates the relationships between text, meaning, and interpretation.
· Introduction of the Concept of ‘White Mythology’
- Example: Postcolonial theory — The idea of ‘White Mythology’ critiques the Western philosophical tradition’s claim to universality, revealing how its metaphors are culturally and historically situated. This concept is useful in postcolonial studies to analyze how language and literature perpetuate colonial ideologies.
· Critique of Metaphysical Language
- Example: New Historicism — Derrida’s critique highlights how metaphysical language in literature is not a mere reflection of reality but constructs realities. New Historicists utilize this insight to explore how literary texts both reflect and construct the historical and cultural contexts in which they are produced.
· Dissolution of the Binary between Literal and Figurative Language
- Example: Feminist literary criticism — By complicating the binary between literal and metaphorical language, Derrida’s work supports feminist critiques of language that challenge patriarchal structures, which often rely on fixed meanings and binaries.
· Metaphor as a Site of Power and Transformation
- Example: Psychoanalytic criticism — Derrida views metaphor as a powerful transformative agent in language. In literary psychoanalysis, metaphors are seen as mechanisms through which unconscious desires and conflicts are expressed in the text.
· Metaphors as Cultural and Ideological Artifacts
- Example: Marxist criticism — Derrida’s notion that metaphors carry cultural and economic values aligns with Marxist literary theory, which examines how texts reflect, reinforce, or challenge the ideological and economic conditions of their production.
· Impact on Textual Analysis and Interpretation
- Example: Reader-response criticism — “White Mythology” influences how readers interpret texts, suggesting that the meaning of metaphors shifts depending on cultural and historical contexts. This variability aligns with reader-response theory, which emphasizes the role of the reader in creating the meaning of the text.
Examples of Critiques Through “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
- Critique of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2007) by Junot Díaz through “White Mythology”: Derrida’s concept of “White Mythology” reveals how the novel subverts traditional narratives of heroism and identity. Oscar, a Dominican-American “ghetto nerd,” challenges the Western archetype of the hero. His struggles with love, family, and cultural identity defy the “white mythology” of individualism and success, revealing a more complex and nuanced understanding of the human experience. The novel’s use of Spanglish and Dominican folklore further deconstructs the dominant cultural narrative, highlighting the marginalized voices and experiences often excluded from mainstream literature.
- Critique of A Visit from the Goon Squad (2010) by Jennifer Egan through “White Mythology”: Egan’s fragmented narrative structure and diverse characters challenge the linear, cause-and-effect model often associated with Western storytelling. The novel’s exploration of memory, technology, and the passage of time resists the “white mythology” of progress and certainty, highlighting the inherent instability and uncertainty of human experience. The shifting perspectives and non-linear timeline create a sense of “différance,” where meaning is constantly deferred and never fully present.
- Critique of There There (2018) by Tommy Orange through “White Mythology”: Orange’s novel confronts the erasure and marginalization of Native American voices and experiences in American history and literature. The interconnected stories of urban Native Americans challenge the “white mythology” of a unified American identity, revealing the diversity and complexity of Indigenous cultures and communities. The novel’s use of language, incorporating Native slang and cultural references, further deconstructs the dominant narrative, creating a space for marginalized voices to be heard.
- Critique of Detransition, Baby (2021) by Torrey Peters through “White Mythology”: Peters’ novel challenges the traditional binary categories of gender and sexuality, deconstructing the “white mythology” of a fixed and stable identity. The characters’ experiences with gender fluidity and transition complicate the traditional notions of motherhood and family, revealing a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of human relationships. The novel’s use of humor and satire further subverts the dominant cultural narrative, challenging readers to question their assumptions about gender, identity, and love.
Criticism Against “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
Complexity and Obscurity of Language
- Critics argue that Derrida’s style in “White Mythology” is overly complex and obscure, which can obscure rather than illuminate the philosophical points he is trying to make. This complexity can alienate readers who are not already familiar with his deconstructive method.
Overemphasis on Language at the Expense of Reality
- Some critics contend that Derrida’s focus on language and metaphor leads to a form of linguistic determinism that neglects the material aspects of reality. This criticism suggests that Derrida prioritizes language so heavily that the tangible, experiential world becomes secondary or irrelevant.
Perceived Relativism and Lack of Concrete Solutions
- Derrida’s approach is often criticized for leading to relativism, where the instability of meaning may imply that all interpretations are equally valid. Critics argue that this undermines the possibility of reaching any solid conclusions or solutions within philosophical and literary analysis.
Inaccessibility to Broader Audiences
- The theoretical density of “White Mythology” makes it inaccessible to those not already versed in philosophical discourse. This exclusivity can limit its applicability and influence in broader academic and non-academic circles.
Potential Misapplication of Deconstructive Methods
- There is concern that the deconstructive approach advocated by Derrida, while innovative, can be misapplied in ways that strip texts of any definitive meaning, leading to overly skeptical or nihilistic interpretations that negate the author’s intent or the text’s cultural and historical context.
Critique from Empirical and Analytic Philosophers
- Empirical and analytic philosophers often criticize Derrida’s work for lacking empirical grounding and for its non-systematic approach. They argue that his philosophical inquiries lack the rigor and clarity that characterizes empirical and analytic methodologies.
Questioning the Originality and Novelty
- Some scholars debate the originality of Derrida’s ideas, suggesting that his concepts of metaphor and textual interpretation are not as revolutionary as claimed, and that similar ideas have been explored by other philosophers and theorists.
Suggested Readings: “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
- Bennington, Geoffrey. Interrupting Derrida. Routledge, 2000.
- Culler, Jonathan. On Deconstruction: Theory and Criticism after Structuralism. 25th Anniversary Edition. Cornell University Press, 2008.
- Derrida, Jacques. “White Mythology: Metaphor in the Text of Philosophy.” Margins of Philosophy, translated by Alan Bass, University of Chicago Press, 1982, pp. 207-271.
- Gasché, Rodolphe. The Tain of the Mirror: Derrida and the Philosophy of Reflection. Harvard University Press, 1986.
- Royle, Nicholas. Jacques Derrida. Routledge Critical Thinkers. Routledge, 2003.
Extracts with Explanation from “White Mythology” by Jacques Derrida
| Extract | Explanation |
| “Metaphor is never innocent. It governs, for better or for worse, our sense of reality.” | This extract highlights Derrida’s view that metaphors significantly influence how we perceive and interpret reality. He suggests that metaphors do more than embellish speech; they shape our fundamental understanding of the world around us, often in ways we are not consciously aware of. |
| “The entire history of metaphysics as a metaphoric displacement.” | Here, Derrida conceptualizes the history of metaphysics as a series of metaphorical shifts, implying that philosophical concepts are not static but evolve through the metaphoric language used to describe them. This positions metaphysics itself as a narrative constructed through language, rather than a series of objective truths. |
| “Philosophy metaphorizes through the nonmetaphorical.” | This statement reflects on the paradoxical nature of philosophical discourse, which often uses what appears to be literal language to express ideas that are inherently metaphorical. It suggests a critical look at how philosophical language claims to be clear and direct while often relying on underlying metaphors. |
| “White mythology which paints the surface of language with its color, the color of the new spirit.” | Derrida uses the concept of ‘white mythology’ to discuss the implicit assumptions and hidden metaphors within Western philosophical discourse that are presented as ‘neutral’ or ‘universal’. This extract criticizes the way dominant cultural narratives shape and color our understanding of language and truth. |
| “The metaphor of the sun and its philosophical implications transcend the mere astronomical body to become a central figure in Western thought.” | This extract delves into the metaphorical use of the sun in Western philosophy, where it often represents enlightenment, truth, and knowledge. Derrida examines how this metaphor shapes philosophical discussions beyond its literal meaning, influencing a wide array of conceptual frameworks. |