Deconstruction (Noun)
Meaning
A philosophical theory of criticism (usually of literature or film) that seeks to expose deep-seated contradictions in a work by delving below its surface meaning.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The literary critic's use of deconstruction revealed the underlying tensions and paradoxes in the novel that had gone unnoticed by previous readers.
- The film studies professor assigned a deconstruction of the movie's portrayal of masculinity, asking students to analyze the ways in which the narrative reinforced and subverted traditional gender roles.
- The philosopher's deconstruction of the text exposed the contradictions between the author's stated intentions and the actual effects of the language used.
- Deconstruction of the poem's imagery revealed a complex web of associations and allusions that challenged the reader's initial interpretation of the poem's meaning.
- The cultural theorist's deconstruction of the advertising campaign showed how it relied on a series of subtle contradictions and paradoxes to create a sense of desire and longing in the viewer.