Post-structuralism and deconstruction Summary and Analysis

The dilemma of post-structuralism is based on the rule of structuralism that language shapes the world perception. Consequently any difference with structuralism conflicts with a moving standard. For example, sitting in a non-moving train when an adjoining train begins to move makes one wonder which train is moving. When post-structuralists speak the moving points of structuralism are referenced. Barry notes specific differences between them. Structuralism's origin is linguistics while post-structuralism comes from philosophy and is skeptical of its method, system and reason. Structuralist writing is detached and scientific. Post-structuralist writing is emotive and engaged. Structuralists see language as real but post-structuralists see language as fluid in context. Structuralism wants a more reliable view whereas post-structuralism relies on the more fluid view in context.

Ironically Roland Barthes is a significant post-structuralist with Jacque Derrida. Barthes' 1968 essay "The Death...