Deconstruction
A critical method (developed by Jacques Derrida) that questions texts' apparent stable meanings by revealing internal contradictions, hidden assumptions, and how meaning depends on differences and absences rather than positive presence.
Real World
A deconstructive reading of 'Heart of Darkness' reveals that Conrad's text, while ostensibly critiquing colonialism, simultaneously relies on the racist binaries it appears to question — the very language used to condemn imperialism reproduces its assumptions.
Exam Focus
Focus on contradictions within the text itself; AO5 credit comes from showing how the text undermines its own apparent argument.
How well did you know this?