Structuralist Theory

Two important terms in Structuralist theory are signifier and signified. Define these terms and explain how they are used in Structuralist theory to find meaning in literary works. Compared to the critical theories studied last week, do you find that Structuralism is more like New Criticism or Reader-Response theory, or vice versa? Support your assertions with clear reasoning and examples.

Welcome to Week 3 of ENG 438, class! As you may have noted, we only have one chapter to read this week, but let me tell you that the concepts in that chapter are as challenging as they are fascinating. If you are new to the theories of semiotics (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., structuralism (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and deconstruction (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., it will be very helpful to review Chapter 3 of Texts and Contexts after reading this lecture.
New Criticism (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. is a fundamental part of deconstruction theory, even an “extension,” as Lynn (2011) notes, that “set[s] aside authorial intention and the reader’s response, one first identifies the unity that appears to be present in the text and then divides and dispels it” (p. 112-13).
Okay, let’s take a peek at what we have in store for this week!
Guidance on Assignments
You’ve been doing very well with our weekly discussion prompts thus far. While we are covering some challenging concepts this week, our discussions should be quite entertaining and enlightening. Your initial responses to each prompt are due on Thursday, April 29.
For “Structuralist Theory,” I suggest dedicating a paragraph in defining the terms of signifier and signified. For each, be sure to articulate how the concepts apply to analyzing literature, especially in terms of a Structuralist critical approach. It might even help to illustrate your definitions with an example of a literary text, perhaps something that you’ve read in this class or another Ashford course. Finally, in your third paragraph, be honest: Is Structuralism an effective mode of literary criticism? Why or why not?

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