Deconstruction - Derrida (Transitions

by Julian Wolfreys

In this introduction to the work of Jacques Derrida, Julian Wolfreys challenges the notion that what Derrida does can be turned into a theory for literary interpretation. He questions the belief in a critical methodology called "deconstruction" which can be applied to literary texts in a programmatic fashion. Wolfreys introduces the reader to the range of Derrida's interests and concerns, while tendering readings informed by Derrida's thought of canonical and less well-known literary works. He works through considerations of what deconstruction might or might not be, while offering a critical appreciation of the reception of Derrida's work within the institution of literary criticism.

Genres: Philosophy

240 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 1998

Reviews

[Tilly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll confess from the start: I have a block with Derrida. Some theory - The Gift, The Secret - I find interesting, and there are some phenomenal lines in his work, but as a whole I don't think it should be so difficult to understand someone's thrust of thought. Is it good thinking if it's damn near impenetrable? I'm not sure. Someone stop Butler, Spivak etc. editing and translating each other, dear god.

Anyway, somehow Wolfreys managed to make him even more impenetrable - a rare feat. Wolfreys repeatedly states that there is no such thing as 'deconstruction' as a methodology, which I even agree with, but he stated this so much that I almost lost the will to read the rest of the book. What's the point? If it can't exist? Urgh.

Furthermore, the whole text featured this idea of 'ethical reading' that at no point explained what that term even meant. Eventually I pieced together that Wolfreys seemed to mean the idea of remaining open to the text, to not shutting it down - basically, READING A WORK OF FICTION. I don't know. I left this book even less impressed with Derrida than before. Which is a shame. Next up: Deleuze. Mmm.