Structuralism literary theory: writers
Structuralism comes from a branch of language study called ‘structural linguistics’. This
approach was originally developed by a French linguist called Ferdinand de Saussure.
Structuralism literary theory and criticism
Because linguistics and literary theory are closely related, the ideas proposed in linguistics by
Saussure were easily adapted to the study of literature. When a literary text is studied using
Structuralism, the text is connected to a wider ‘structure’. This might include the kind of
literature the text is part of (its genre), or the universal ways stories are told around the world.
Main characteristics of Structuralism literary theory
The main characteristics of Structuralism in literary theory are as follows:
1. A focus on the underlying structure of a literary text.
2. The meaning of a text is in the inter-relationship of its parts.
3. Binary oppositions are key to understanding a text.
4. The individuality and personality of the author are unimportant. What matters are the deep
structures.
5. Literary texts are constructs. Meaning does not come from inside the text. Instead, meaning
comes from the relationship of each part of the text with other parts.
Post-structuralism: Definition
Post-structuralism: an intellectual movement from France during the 1960s and 1970s that
challenged the belief in stable or unchanging meanings and identities.
As reflected in its name, post-structuralism was an intellectual movement that developed as a
response to another.
Post-structuralism: Literary Theory
Roland Barthes (1915–80) and Jaques Derrida (1930–2004) are prominent post-structuralist
theorists who have been instrumental in bringing post-structuralist theory to literary analysis.
Like structuralists, Jaques Derrida was also fascinated by the structures underlying language.
However, Derrida's deconstruction theory challenges the idea that true meanings can be found by
logically analysing a language's structure, such as the binary oppositions (e.g., black/white;
good/evil; high/low) it contains.
Derrida saw these structures as proof of language's underlying instability and unpredictability
rather than the other way around. This is because if the core meaning of a word is dependent on
what it isn't, it has no meaning outside of its relation to external influencing factors.
A structuralist might say that we know the meaning of 'black' because we know it is not 'white'.
However, a post-structuralist might say that we can also understand the meaning of 'black'
because it is not 'purple', 'blue', 'cat', 'guitar', etc, which leads to the meaning of 'black' being
dependent upon an infinite web of other meanings.
As a result, when conducting a post-structuralist literary analysis, readers should acknowledge
the multiplicity of meanings that can be interpreted from a text and their influencing contexts.
Derrida also argued that binaries in language can reflect ideology in society because binaries
often contain hierarchies. Derrida argues that readers should be skeptical of accepted binaries
and encourages readers to take them apart in order to examine their parts more easily. This leads
to a better understanding of the meanings of binaries within the context of the individual text and
also within the wider society.
The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway can be analyzed through a structuralist
lens by examining its narrative structure, themes, and symbolic elements.
1. Binary Oppositions: Structuralism often involves identifying binary oppositions, which
are pairs of opposing elements that contribute to the meaning of a text. In The Snows of
Kilimanjaro, you can identify several binary oppositions, such as life and death,
civilization and wilderness, wealth and poverty, and past and present. Analyzing these
oppositions can reveal the underlying tensions and conflicts in the story.
2. Narrative Structure: Examine the narrative structure of the story. The Snows of
Kilimanjaro is known for its fragmented narrative, where the protagonist, Harry, reflects
on his life while suffering from gangrene on an African safari. Structuralist analysis
might focus on how these fragments are organized and interconnected, looking for
patterns and repetitions that contribute to the overall meaning.
3. Symbolic Elements: Structuralism encourages the exploration of symbols and their
relationships within a text. In Hemingway's story, the snows of Kilimanjaro itself can be
seen as a symbol, representing purity, unattainable dreams, and the inevitability of death.
Analyzing how this symbol is woven into the narrative structure can reveal deeper
meanings.
4. Binary Characters: Identify binary characters or character traits that oppose each other.
For example, Harry and his wife Helen can be seen as representing different aspects of
the human condition or conflicting values. Analyzing their interactions and how they
embody different elements can provide insights into the story's structure.
5. Language and Sign Systems: Structuralism involves analyzing the language and sign
systems within a text. Hemingway's minimalistic and precise prose style can be explored
in terms of how it contributes to the overall structure and meaning of the story.
Additionally, consider how language is used to signify specific ideas, emotions, or
concepts.
6. Cultural Codes: Structuralism often involves examining cultural codes and conventions
that shape a text. Explore how cultural norms and values of the time are reflected in The
Snows of Kilimanjaro, and how they contribute to the story's structure and meaning.
