Deconstructionism (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 deconstructionism revealed the underlying power dynamics at play in the seemingly innocuous novel.
- Deconstructionism allowed the film theorist to challenge the dominant ideology presented in the blockbuster movie.
- The academic's application of deconstructionism to the classic novel exposed the inherent sexism and racism that had gone unnoticed by previous readers.
- Through deconstructionism, the cultural critic was able to uncover the ways in which the advertisement was reinforcing societal norms.
- The postmodernist's use of deconstructionism in her analysis of the poem highlighted the instability of language and meaning.