Structuralism and post-structuralism in literary analysis

Abstract

Structuralism and post-structuralism are two influential approaches that transformed modern literary criticism. Structuralism studies the underlying systems, patterns, and linguistic structures that shape literary meaning, while post-structuralism questions the stability of those structures and argues that meaning is multiple and constantly shifting. This paper examines the emergence, principles, and contributions of both approaches to literary analysis. It also highlights their influence on contemporary criticism and demonstrates how these theories encourage deeper interpretations of texts by emphasizing language, culture, ideology, and the active role of readers.