Structuralism vs Post-Structuralism | Short Notes | Literary Criticism

Clear and quick comparison notes on Structuralism vs Post-Structuralism with definitions, key theorists, major theories, and exam tips — perfect for UGC NET revision.

📚 Structuralism vs Post-Structuralism — Quick Comparison Notes for UGC NET

✍️ Introduction

In the previous blogs, we have already discussed Structuralism and Post-Structuralism in detailed notes.
Now let us do a quick comparison revision so that both concepts become clearer and easier to recall for exams.

This Structuralism vs Post-Structuralism comparison is specially designed for UGC-NET and Literature students who want fast, concept-based revision.

If you have not read the detailed notes yet, you can start here:
👉 Full Structuralism Notes — Structuralism in Literary Theory: Meaning, Origin & Key Concepts
👉 Post-Structuralism Explained — Post-Structuralism in Literary Theory: Meaning, Origin & Key Concepts

🔹 Structuralism — Definition + Origin

Structuralism is a literary and cultural theory which says that
the meaning of a text comes from its underlying structure.

It developed in the early 20th century and is mainly based on modern linguistics, especially the model proposed by Ferdinand de Saussure.

A core Structuralist principle is expressed in Saussure’s famous line:

“In language there are only differences without positive terms.” — Ferdinand de Saussure

Meaning is created through relationships and differences inside a system — not in isolation.

Key Ideas:

• Language is a system of signs

• Structure produces meaning

• Meaning is relatively stable

• Text can be decoded through patterns

👉 Exam line: Structuralism looks for the hidden structure behind the text.

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🔹 Post-Structuralism — Definition + Origin

Post-Structuralism developed as a reaction to Structuralism.
It argues that meaning is not fixed — it is unstable and always shifting.

It became prominent after the 1960s when theorists began questioning stable structures and fixed interpretations.

A well-known Post-Structuralist statement by Derrida is:

“There is nothing outside the text.” — Jacques Derrida

This suggests that meaning is always produced within language and interpretation — there is no final, absolute meaning outside textual systems.

Key Ideas:

• Meaning is unstable

• Language is not fully reliable

• No single final interpretation

• Reader and context shape meaning

• Text contains contradictions

👉 Exam line: Post-Structuralism questions fixed meaning and stable structure.

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🔹 Major Theories at a Glance — Quick Recall (UGC NET)

📌 Structural Linguistics — Ferdinand de Saussure

Saussure proposed that language is made of signifier and signified.
Meaning comes from differences within the sign system.
Language works as a structured network, not as isolated words.
This idea forms the base of Structuralism.

Memory cue: Sign system → Structure → Stable meaning

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📌 Structural Anthropology — Claude Lévi-Strauss

Lévi-Strauss applied Structuralism to myths and culture.
He argued that myths follow deep universal structures.
Binary oppositions like nature/culture and raw/cooked shape meaning.
Stories change, but the underlying structure remains similar.

Memory cue: Myths follow hidden structure

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📌 Deconstruction — Jacques Derrida

Derrida introduced Deconstruction under Post-Structuralism.
He argued that texts contain internal contradictions.
Meaning is never final — it is continuously deferred.
Reading should expose tensions and gaps in language.

Memory cue: Text breaks itself

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📌 Power–Discourse Theory — Michel Foucault

Foucault connected language with power and knowledge.
Meaning is shaped by institutions and discourse systems.
Truth is produced through power relations.
Texts must be read within historical and social contexts.

Memory cue: Meaning = Power + Discourse

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📌 Death of the Author — Roland Barthes

Barthes argued that authorial intention does not fix meaning.
Meaning is created by the reader.
A text allows multiple interpretations.
The reader becomes central, not the author.

Memory cue: Reader over Author

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🔹 Core Difference — Quick Comparison

Feature	Structuralism	Post-Structuralism
View of Meaning	Stable & Fixed.	Shifting & Unstable.
Focus	The Structure/System.	The Interpretation/Play.
Text Status	Decodable (Like a puzzle).	Open-ended (Like a sea).
Logic	Order and Unity.	Chaos and Contradiction.
Goal	To find the "Truth."	To question "Truth."

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🔹 Practical Example (Easy Understanding)

Suppose we read a hero story.

Structuralist reading:
Focus on structure — hero vs villain pattern, narrative model, binary opposition.

Post-Structuralist reading:
Focus on contradictions and multiple meanings — the hero may be interpreted differently by each reader and context.

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🧠 Quick Revision Lines

Structuralism fixes meaning through structure.

Post-Structuralism opens meaning through interpretation.

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📌 Exam Shortcut Tip

If question keywords include:

• structure

• system

• binary

• sign

→ Structuralism

If keywords include:

• instability

• deconstruction

• discourse

• reader meaning

→ Post-Structuralism

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🌿 Personal Insight

From an exam preparation perspective, students often confuse Structuralism and Post-Structuralism because both deal with language and meaning. The easiest way to remember the difference is this: Structuralism tries to organize meaning, while Post-Structuralism tries to question meaning.

Do not just memorize definitions. Try applying both approaches to the same text — concepts become clearer and easier to retain for UGC-NET.

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✅ Conclusion

Structuralism and Post-Structuralism are closely connected but fundamentally different in their approach to interpretation. Structuralism believes meaning comes from stable systems and structures, whereas Post-Structuralism argues that meaning is unstable and always open to reinterpretation.

For exam purposes, focus on:

• core definitions

• theorist names

• key terms (structure, sign, deconstruction, discourse)

• stability vs instability of meaning

A clear conceptual contrast is often enough to solve most MCQs and short-answer questions.

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🔜 Coming Up Next

Next: Jacques Derrida’s Deconstruction — complete exam notes and simplified explanation.

Stay tuned to ShariyaWrites.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is written for educational and exam-revision purposes.
Concepts are simplified from multiple academic sources and explained in the author’s own words for clarity and retention.

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✍️ About the Author

ShariyaWrites focuses on English Literature, Literary Theory, and UGC-NET oriented study resources.
The goal is to make complex critical concepts simple, structured, and exam-ready.

🔗 Explore more:
https://linktr.ee/shariyawrites