Formalism vs. Poststructuralism

What's the Difference?

Formalism and Poststructuralism are two distinct literary theories that approach the analysis of texts from different perspectives. Formalism focuses on the intrinsic elements of a text, such as its structure, language, and form, to understand its meaning and aesthetic qualities. It emphasizes the importance of close reading and the autonomy of the text itself, disregarding the author's intentions or historical context. On the other hand, Poststructuralism challenges the notion of fixed meanings and stable identities. It explores the ways in which language and power shape our understanding of texts, emphasizing the role of social, cultural, and historical contexts in interpretation. Poststructuralism also questions the authority of the author and highlights the multiplicity of meanings that can be derived from a text.

Comparison

Further Detail

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