Deconstruction: A Cornucopia of Esoteric Meanings

Abstract

This paper sets out to explore Deconstruction with view at clarifying its role in the field of literary criticism. As such, the paper traces the philosophical roots of deconstruction in the works of Frederick Nietzsche up to Jacque Derrida, among other contributors. The paper also dwells on the mechanism of deconstructive reading of text, especially its deviation from the structuralist approach. A particular emphasis is placed on the employment of deconstruction in the feminist canon, through paying attention to the deconstructive feminist views of notable feminist critics like Helen Cixous, Luce Irigary, among others. Finally, the paper surveys some of the critique made against the deconstructive approach and the defence made in return.