Learn Structuralism in literary theory with simple explanations, origin, key concepts, examples, and comparison with New Criticism.
Structuralism in Literary Theory: Meaning, Origin & Key Concepts
Introduction
In our earlier posts, we discussed Formalism and New Criticism, both of which concentrate mainly on the literary text itself. As literary theory continued to evolve, critics began to raise a deeper question. Instead of asking only how to read a text, they started asking how meaning is created in the first place.
This shift in thinking led to the development of Structuralism—a theory that studies the hidden structures behind language and literature rather than focusing on individual works or authors.
What is Structuralism?
Structuralism is a critical approach that understands literature through systems, patterns, and structures, rather than through personal expression or isolated texts.
“In language, there are only differences without positive terms.”
— Ferdinand de SaussureThe Core Idea of Structuralism
Structuralism is based on three key beliefs:
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meaning is not natural or fixed
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meaning is produced through relationships and differences
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nothing has meaning on its own; it depends on the system it belongs to
A Simple Example: The Traffic Light System
Think about a traffic signal. The red light tells us to stop. But does the color red naturally mean stop? No. It carries this meaning only because it exists within a system where:
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green means go
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yellow means wait
If you take a red bulb and hang it in your room, it no longer means “stop” because it is outside the traffic system.
In the same way, a word in a literary text has meaning only because it follows the rules of language and relates to other words. Outside the system, the meaning disappears.
👉 In simple words, Structuralism studies how meaning functions, not what a writer personally intends to say.
Origin and Background of Structuralism
Structuralism developed in the early twentieth century with the ideas of Ferdinand de Saussure, who is considered the founder of Structuralism.
Saussure introduced a scientific study of language known as linguistics. He argued that language does not work as a list of names for objects; instead, it operates as a structured system governed by rules.
His ideas later influenced not only literary criticism but also anthropology, psychology, and cultural studies. According to him, language is best understood as a system of signs.
1. The Sign: Signifier + Signified
Saussure explained that every sign has two parts:
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Signifier: the word or sound we read or hear (for example, the letters L-O-T-U-S)
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Signified: the mental image or concept that comes to our mind (the idea of the flower)
The Important Point
The relationship between the word “lotus” and the flower itself is arbitrary. There is no natural reason why this flower should be called “lotus.” We accept it simply because society has agreed upon this rule.
2. Langue and Parole
Saussure also introduced two important terms that are frequently asked in exams:
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Langue (Language): the entire system of language—its grammar, rules, and structure shared by society
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Parole (Speech) : the actual use of language by individuals, such as speaking or writing sentences
Structuralists focus more on langue, because their aim is to understand the system behind language, not individual expressions.
Binary Oppositions: Meaning Through Opposites
Meaning is always created by these contrasts:
We know what Life is only because we understand Death.
A Hero is only a hero because a Villain exists.
Day / Night, Good / Evil, Nature / Culture.
Structuralism vs New Criticism
New Criticism
Focuses on one single text.
The text is treated as self-contained, and meaning is found through close reading of words, imagery, and structure.
Structuralism
Focuses on the systems behind texts.
A text is part of a larger structure, and meaning is created through patterns, relations, and differences in language.
Structuralism and Later Thinkers
During the 1960s, critics such as Roland Barthes applied Structuralist ideas to literature, myths, and popular culture. Later, Jacques Derrida questioned many assumptions of Structuralism and developed Post-Structuralism. However, even his ideas grew out of Structuralist thinking.
Limitations of Structuralism
Despite its influence, Structuralism has several limitations:
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it ignores history and human emotions
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it reduces literature to systems and rules
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it overlooks individual creativity
Because of these limitations, Post-Structuralism emerged as a response.
Why Structuralism is Important for Students
Structuralism is important because:
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it explains how language produces meaning
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it prepares students for modern literary theories
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concepts like sign, langue, and binary opposition are common in exams
For UGC NET, Structuralism acts as a bridge between New Criticism and Post-Structuralism.
Conclusion
Structuralism teaches us that every text is part of a larger invisible structure. It shows that we do not simply use language; rather, language as a system operates through us. This approach shifted literary studies from personal interpretation to a more systematic and analytical method.
✨ Personal Note
Structuralism feels like learning the source code of literature. Once you understand signs and structures, you begin to see texts—and even the world—differently.
What do you think? Are we bound by the rules of language, or can we break them?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
What’s Next? ➡️ Post-Structuralism
While Structuralism looks for fixed systems and stable meanings in language, our next topic—Post-Structuralism—questions these systems and challenges the idea of fixed meaning.
Coming soon: Jacques Derrida, Deconstruction, Binary Oppositions, Différance, and how meaning is always shifting.
✨ If you want to read more about English Literature, literary forms, genres, and critical approaches, stay connected with ShariyaWrites.
Disclaimer
Save this post—you’ll need to return to it regularly before exam day.
This article is written for educational purposes and is based on multiple academic sources, interpreted in the author’s own words.
About the Author
ShariyaWrites believes that literature is not a burden to memorize, but an emotion to understand. Through blogs, reels, and videos, she simplifies English Literature for students who want to connect texts with life.
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