Frequently Asked Questions about Deconstruction

Why is deconstruction important?

The theory of deconstruction is important because it heavily influenced postmodern

philosophy, intellectual thought, and literary criticism. It remains one of the most widely
discussed theory in postmodernity.

What is an example of deconstruction?

Deconstruction is a method of literary criticism. Famous literary works are studied using
deconstructionism which helps to unearth new meanings from the text.

What is the purpose of deconstruction?

Deconstruction seeks to undertake close reading of a text to find meanings in parts of a

text that are often overlooked.

What is the deconstruction theory in literature?

Theory of deconstruction emphasises the lack of a definite or fixed meanings of a text.

What is deconstruction theory?

Deconstruction is a critical approach that rejects the notion of definite and fixed meanings
in any work of art.

Deconstruction is a method of literary criticism. Famous literary works are studied using
deconstructionism which helps to unearth new meanings from the text.

Deconstruction - Key takeaways

  Deconstruction is a critical theory and philosophical approach proposed
by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida.

 The key argument in deconstruction is that meaning is unreliable as the

language that communicates meaning is itself unreliable.

 It is impossible to determine fixed, underlying meanings in a text.

 Therefore, all texts are open to multiple interpretations.

 Central to the theory of deconstruction is Derrida's idea

of différance and his criticism of binary oppositions.

The fundamental logic of deconstruction is that no text carries meanings

or messages that are beyond interpretation

This might be a good exercise to help you understand the concept of

deconstruction: re-read a book a while after you first read it. Did you notice
anything new or come up with a different interpretation.

Characteristics of Deconstruction
Différance
The term différance simultaneously refers to the difference and deferral of
meaning. In fact, Derrida describes the concept as an infinite series in the
chain of signification.

Feminism
Feminism adopted deconstruction to dismantle the cultural assumptions
surrounding gender. Feminist writers used it to challenge the dominance
and presumed superiority of the masculine. The binary opposition
'man/woman' is now commonly referred to as the gender binary and has
been challenged by scholars of gender studies. Feminist literary criticism
often uses the deconstructionist approach to analyse literary texts.