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1. Fixed  Center vs Free play Structuralism : Every system is built around a fixed center that gives it structure and meaning. 🔹 Example (Real Life) : A school system is centered around a principal as the source of authority. The whole institution is organized around that central figure. 🔹 Religion : Christianity centers its beliefs around God ; Islam around Allah . Everything flows from that center. Post-Structuralism : The idea of a fixed center is questioned. Centers change over time or disappear. 🔹 Example (Real Life) : In today’s online learning , there’s no fixed “center”—no need for a single teacher or classroom. Students learn from many sources: YouTube, blogs, AI tools, etc. 🔹 Example (Politics) : People no longer trust a single leader or ideology. Public opinion shifts quickly, decentralizing power. 2. Signifier + Signified vs Différance Structuralism : A word (signifier) is directly linked to the concept (signified). 🔹 Example (Real Life) : The w...

What is Practical Criticism? Practical criticism is a method of analyzing and interpreting a literary text without knowing anything about the author, historical background, or context. You read the text as it is and form your opinion based only on what is written in the text. This approach was developed by I.A. Richards in the 1920s to help students understand poetry better. He gave them anonymous poems (no author name, no background info) and asked them to analyze the poems just by reading and thinking about the words, tone, and style. 🟢 Key Features of Practical Criticism: Focus only on the words in the text . No need for author biography or historical knowledge. Look at the language, style, imagery, tone, and structure . You become a kind of detective, finding meaning in the text itself . 🟩 Example 1: A Short Poem Let’s take a simple 2-line poem: "So dawn goes down to day, Nothing gold can stay." —Robert Frost Practical Criticism Approach: Theme : Th...

🌟 What is Dhvani ? Dhvani means suggestion in poetry. It is the hidden or indirect meaning — something the poet does not say directly, but we still understand it. Types of Dhvani   1. Vastu Dhvani (Idea Suggestion) What it is: When the poet suggests an idea or fact without saying it clearly. Example: "The lotus closed its petals, and the bees flew away." What it really means: It’s evening time — the poet is not saying it directly, but we understand it through nature. 2. Alaṅkāra Dhvani (Figure of Speech Suggestion) What it is: When the poet suggests a simile , metaphor , or other beautiful expression (figure of speech) without saying it clearly. Example: "Her face shines brighter than the full moon." What it really means: He is comparing her face to the moon — a metaphor or simile is suggested. 3. Rasa Dhvani (Emotion Suggestion) What it is: When the poet suggests a feeling or emotion — like love, sadness, happiness —...

The synchronic and diachronic study of language are two important approaches in linguistics introduced by Ferdinand de Saussure , the father of modern linguistics. Here's a clear explanation in easy language with examples: 🔹 Synchronic Study of Language Definition: The synchronic study of language focuses on a language at a particular point in time — usually the present . It studies how the language functions as a system right now , without worrying about how it has changed over time. Key Points: Looks at language as it is . Treats language as a complete system at a specific time. Ignores historical development. Common in modern structural linguistics . Example: If we study English grammar as it is used today , like how present tense or passive voice works in modern English, that’s a synchronic study. For instance, we study how “He goes to school” is structured in today's English — subject + verb + object. 🔹 Diachronic Study of Language Definition: The...

Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist, introduced the terms langue and parole in his book Course in General Linguistics (1916). These two concepts are very important in the study of language and are central to structuralist theory . 1. Langue (Language System) Definition : Langue is the system of language — the set of rules, grammar, vocabulary, and conventions shared by a speech community. Features : It is social , not personal. It is fixed and structured . It exists in the minds of speakers . It is not spoken directly , but it is the base that makes speech possible. Example : In English, we know the rule that a sentence like: "She goes to school." is correct according to subject-verb agreement rules. This rule is part of langue . Similarly, all English speakers understand what the word “tree” means — this common understanding comes from langue . 2. Parole (Speech or Utterance) Definition : Parole is the individual and actual use of la...

Discourse in literature means the way language is used to express ideas, beliefs, and power in writing or speech. It is more than just words or grammar—it is about how people communicate and shape meaning in society. Discourse can come from characters, narrators, or writers, and it often reflects social, political, or cultural ideas. Main Ideas of Discourse Language and Power – Discourse often shows who has power in a society and how that power is expressed through language. For example, legal discourse or religious discourse can control how people think and act. Different Types – There are many types of discourse: political, religious, scientific, literary, and more. Each type uses a special way of speaking or writing that fits its purpose. Shaping Ideas – Discourse helps shape how people understand the world. The same event can be described in different ways depending on the discourse being used. Narrative Voice – In literature, discourse also refers to the voice or style ...

Dissociation of sensibility is a literary concept introduced by the poet and critic T. S. Eliot . He used this term to describe a historical change in English poetry, where feeling and thought became separated. Eliot believed that earlier poets were able to blend deep emotion and clear thinking in their poetry, but later poets lost this unity. Main Ideas of Dissociation of Sensibility Unity of Thought and Feeling – Eliot believed that in the work of poets like John Donne and other Metaphysical poets , emotion and intellect were combined naturally. These poets could express complex ideas through strong, sincere emotions. Separation Over Time – After the 17th century, Eliot argued, English poetry began to lose this balance. Thought and feeling became separate. Poets could no longer feel their ideas deeply or think through their emotions clearly. Resulting Weakness – This split led to poetry that was either too intellectual and dry, or too emotional without deep thought. Eliot b...

Différance is a complex term introduced by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida . It is a key idea in deconstruction , which is a method of literary criticism. The word "différance" looks like the French word "différence" (which means "difference"), but Derrida changed one letter to show that this new term means more than just being different. Main Ideas of Différance Difference in Meaning – According to Derrida, words do not have fixed meanings. A word gets its meaning by being different from other words. For example, the word "cat" means what it does because it is not "bat" or "mat." Delay of Meaning – A word also gets its meaning by pointing to other words. Because of this, the full meaning is always delayed or postponed. We never arrive at a final, complete meaning. Spoken vs. Written – Derrida argued that writing is just as important as speech. He used différance to show how both spoken and written words can...

Didactic literature is writing that is meant to teach a lesson. It is created not only to entertain but also to give instruction about morals, values, religion, philosophy, or practical life skills. The word "didactic" comes from a Greek word meaning "to teach." Main Ideas of Didactic Literature Purpose to Teach – The main goal of didactic literature is to give knowledge or advice. It clearly shows what is right and wrong. Moral or Religious Message – Many didactic works focus on moral lessons or religious teachings, often telling readers how to behave in life. Clear and Direct Style – The writing is often straightforward and simple, so that the lesson is easy to understand. Examples or Stories with Lessons – Didactic literature often uses stories, fables, or dialogues to teach the lesson in an interesting way. Examples in Literature In the ancient world, "Aesop's Fables" gave moral lessons through short stories with animals as character...

Dialogic criticism is a way of studying literature that focuses on how different voices, opinions, and ideas interact within a text. This approach comes from the ideas of the Russian thinker Mikhail Bakhtin , who believed that literature, especially the novel, is full of many voices rather than just one single message. Instead of showing only the author’s view, a good literary work brings in many viewpoints that talk to each other. Main Ideas of Dialogic Criticism Multiple Voices – Dialogic criticism looks at how a text includes many different voices, each with its own ideas, styles, and truths. These voices may belong to different characters, narrators, or even social groups. Open Meaning – In dialogic texts, no single meaning wins. The voices remain open to argument and discussion. This keeps the meaning of the work alive and changing. Dialogue Between Ideas – It is not just about spoken dialogue between characters. It is about a deeper conversation between different worldvi...