Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная
лингвистика
и
лингводидактика
–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
Reflection of post-structuralism, deconstruction theory,
and feminist views in the analysis of literary works
Fariza RUZIMURODOVA
1
Alisher Navo’i Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received March 2025
Received in revised form
10
April 2025
Accepted 2 April 2025
Available online
25 May 2025
Each product of literary creation has its own stylistic
coloring and unique approach. Literature is the process of
creative work associated with the creation of a work of art. In
turn, during the process of creating a literary work, the author,
in a sense, embeds their feelings and thoughts into the depths of
the work. The texts we read can be analyzed based on various
theoretical approaches. If we conduct such an analysis from the
reader's perspective, we see that the combination of the
reader's social, psychological, experiential, belief, and moral
factors can directly influence such an analysis. Every moment of
life can be turned into a work of art. Similarly, every facet of life
can be reflected in a work of art. According to some scholars of
structuralist theory, any text has a stable, that is, static and
predictable meaning. According to poststructuralist scholars,
however, the text is variable, and its meaning cannot be
predetermined.
One
of
the
main
approaches
of
poststructuralism is the deconstruction approach, introduced to
science by the French scholar Jacques Derrida.
2181-3701
/©
2025 in Science LLC.
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol3-iss5
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
structuralism,
poststructuralism,
binary opposition,
logocentrism,
"death of the author",
feminism,
"male-centered."
Post-strukturalizm, dekonstruksiya nazariyasi hamda
feministik qarashlarning adabiy asarlar tahlilida aks etishi
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
strukturalizm,
post-strukturalizm,
binary oppozitsiya,
logosentrizm,
“muallifning
Har bir adabiy ijod mahsuli o‘ziga xos uslubiy bo‘yoqdorlikka
va o‘ziga xos yondashuvga ega. Adabiyot bu san’at asari yaratish
bilan bog‘liq bo‘lgan ijodiy mehnat jarayoni. O‘z navbatida
adabiy ijod mahsuli yaratish jarayonida unga muallif o‘z his
-
tuyg‘ularini hamda o‘y
-hayollarini
qaysidir ma’noda asar qa’riga
1
Doctoral Student, Alisher Navo’i
Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
5 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
462
o‘limi,”feminizm,
“male
-
centered”.
singdiradi. Biz mutolaa qiladigan matnlar turli xil nazariy
yondashuvlar asosida tahlilga tortilishi mumkin. Agar biz
bunday tahlilni kitobxon nuqtai nazaridan amalga oshirsak,
bunga o‘quvchining ijtimoiy, psixologik, tajriba, e’tiqod va
axloqiy omillari jamlanmasi bunday tahlilga bevosita ta’sir
etishi mumkinligini ko‘ramiz. Hayotning har bir la
hzasini badiiy
asarga aylantirish mumkin. Va xuddi shuning kabi, hayotning
har bir jilosi badiiy asarda o‘z aksini ko‘rsatishi mumkin.
Strukturalizm nazariyasining ayrim olimlarining fikricha, har
qanday matn turg‘un ya’ni statik hamda oldindan ayta olish
mumkin bo‘lgan ma’noga ega. Post
-strukturalizm olimlarining
fikriga ko‘ra esa aksincha matn o‘zgaruvchan va uning
ma’nosini oldindan aniqlab bo‘lmaydi. Post
-strukturalizmning
asosiy yondashuvlaridan biri bu Fransuz olimi Jak Derreda
tomonidan fanga olib kirilgan dekonstruksiya yondashuvidir.
Отражение постструктурализма, теории деконструкции
и феминистских взглядов в анализе литературных
произведений
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
структурализм,
постструктурализм,
бинарная оппозиция,
логоцентризм,
«смерть автора»
,
феминизм,
«мужской центризм»
.
Каждое
произведение
литературного
творчества
обладает своей стилистической окраской и уникальным
подходом. Литература –
это процесс творческого труда,
связанный с созданием произведения искусства. В свою
очередь, в процессе создания литературного произведения
автор в определенной степени вплетает свои чувства и
мысли в ткань произведения. Тексты, которые мы читаем,
могут быть проанализированы на основе различных
теоретических подходов. Если мы проведем такой анализ с
точки зрения читателя, то увидим, что совокупность
социальных, психологических факторов, опыта, убеждений
и моральных принципов читателя может непосредственно
повлиять на такой анализ. Каждый момент жизни можно
превратить в художественное произведение. И точно так
же каждый аспект жизни может найти отражение в
художественном произведении. По мнению некоторых
ученых
-
структуралистов, любой текст статичен и имеет
предсказуемое значение. Постструктуралисты, напротив,
считают, что текст изменчив, и его смысл невозможно
определить заранее. Одним из основных подходов
постструктурализма является деконструкция, введенная в
науку французским ученым Жаком Деррида.
INTRODUCTION
Every literary work can be analyzed in 2 ways: 1. Structural analysis. 2. Post-
structural analysis.
Structuralist and post-structuralist views in the analysis of a literary work differ
radically from each other, and the methods of reading the text also differ sharply. The
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
5 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
463
strategy of structural analysis focuses more on the internal structure of the text, while
the post-structural approach emphasizes processes that are outside the text itself but
closely related to it.
The theory of deconstruction explains the existence of bilateral oppositions
–
binary oppositions
–
in text analysis.
Analysis of literature on the topic (Literature review). The theory of
deconstruction as a tool of critical analysis is widely applied in world literary studies.
However, this approach is still considered new in Uzbek literature and therefore has not
yet been significantly used in analyzing examples of our national literature. Derrida
argues that the meanings of words are not uniform and stable; on the contrary, different
readers can assign various meanings to these words [Derrida, 1979]. This view is also put
forward by Culler while explaining that the concept of deconstruction is opposed to the
concept of "logocentrism" [Culler, 2007].
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Roland Barthes, another key representative of deconstruction, put forward the
concept of "The Death of the Author." Through this, he advanced the idea that a literary
text is not always connected to the author's inner world and that it should not always be
understood associatively with the author's intention.
In other words, Barthes emphasized that the meaning of a text is not solely
dependent on the author or a specific context [Barthes, 1975].
According to the theory of deconstruction, there is no single reality, truth, or
origin. This theory rejects and questions all previously established rigid rules and
regularities.
The fundamental principle of structuralism that "reality is constructed through
language" is rejected. Reality, in a sense, constantly exists in consciousness, and language
is only used to express it or transform it into words [Bertens, 2003]. The most crucial
feature of deconstruction is its ability to reverse the polarity of paired oppositions, i.e.,
binary oppositions. For example, oppositions such as man/woman, white/black,
true/false, night/day can be repositioned at will. In this process of transformation, the
notion of one concept's superiority over another is undermined.
According to Lois Tyson, "Feminist criticism emphasizes and reveals how
literature (and other cultural works) reinforces the economic, political, social, and
psychological oppression of women. [Tyson L. 2006]" This type of criticism emerged
from the feminist movement of the 1960s and aims to reject the portrayal of women that
had been reflected in literary works up to that period [Barry, 2002]. In literature, the
depiction of women contributes to shaping universally accepted feminine values, while
feminist criticism seeks to challenge such socially accepted stereotypes. That is why the
terms feminist, female, and feminine, which are now often used interchangeably, are
fundamentally different from each other.
From the 1970s, the image of women portrayed primarily by male writers in their
creative works remained at the center of literary criticism. Soon after, significant
attention began to be paid to women creators, and new opportunities started to be
provided for them. Another important aspect of feminist criticism is the issue of
language. Dale Spender explained that language is not a neutral tool, but rather has many
characteristics that reflect the role of patriarchy as a means of self-expression [Barry,
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
5 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
464
2002]. Feminists argue that language is highly based on a male worldview, that is, "male-
centered."
In her essay, Hélène Cixous discusses the importance of the "male/female" duality
[Cixus H. 2001]. She explains that all binaries ultimately lead to the male/female binary.
This is because among these binaries, one element is always considered dominant,
prioritized, and privileged, which is associated with men, while the other, which is lower
or less acceptable, is associated with the concept of women. Feminist criticism and
deconstructive criticism are distinct and separate forms of literary research, but they are
often viewed as interconnected concepts. The relationship between the two was explored
by Mary Poovey in her essay "Feminism and Deconstruction." She explained "how
deconstruction can question feminism and how feminism can utilize deconstruction"
[Poovey M. 1988]. Deconstruction can be as useful for feminism as feminism is for
deconstruction, but they cannot be considered exact opposites of each other.
ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
This research challenges the feminist interpretation of the story "Two Addresses"
by Zulfiya Qurolboy qizi [https://ziyouz.uz/ozbek-nasri/zulfiya-qurolboy-qizi/zulfiya-
qurolboy-qizi-ikki-manzil-hikoya/]. Through deconstructive literary criticism, a new
facet of the "girl" character in the work is revealed, presenting her not only as an
oppressed, helpless protagonist, but also as a courageous and independent individual.
The portrayal of women as subordinate and oppressed, as advanced from a feminist
perspective, is refuted. An interpretative approach and descriptive method were used to
analyze and interpret the information collected in the form of words.
The feminist movement has always fought against the hierarchy between the
sexes, which is established through gender roles. As the French feminist Simone de
Beauvoir said, "It has always been a man's world" [Beauvoir, 1997, p. 93]. She also
emphasizes that in this world, the man is at the center, power belongs to him, and the
woman is relegated to a lower position. As a result, the woman is marginalized.
Through such feminist research, scholars aimed to dismantle the male/female
hierarchy. The polarity has been reversed. Women were elevated to a higher status and
given priority, while men were portrayed as a weak and exploited group.
Zulfiya Qurolboy qizi's story "Ikki manzil" ("Two Destinations") depicts the life of a
girl who has been subjected to life's trials since childhood. A deconstructive analysis of
the story reveals another aspect: the disruption of power dynamics. In her stories, Zulfiya
Qurolboy qizi reflected Uzbek patriarchal society, where all power seemingly belongs to
men. They are placed above women and are considered superior in every respect.
Because all power is held by men,
they appear capable of making any decision, while women seem to be expected to
obey them unconditionally and carry out any task they are given. However, the story
unexpectedly alters these power dynamics: it is shown that where male dominance
previously prevailed, now women possess power and control, thereby deconstructing the
hierarchy of traditional male superiority.
In this story "Two Destinations," power lies in the hands of the female protagonist.
She is the only person in the story who can support and help her family and father. The
girl's father is depicted as a helpless man who, while driving drunk, caused a person's
death, and now his fate is in the hands of the girl as he sits in prison. The male character
in the story is also portrayed as very wealthy from the outside, a person who can reach
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
5 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
465
whatever he extends his hand to, and who has considerable influence. This can also be
understood from what the girl's mother told her:
"According to my mother, you are an important person. There's nothing you can't
do. More precisely, you can reach wherever you extend your hand. Even if you undertake
world-changing endeavors, you have the means to do so. You have powerful connections
in high-ranking offices. You can solve any complicated issue with them..." and ..." you can
give money to anyone you want whenever you want. Even to people you didn't know or
hadn't met before... There's nothing strange about it. No matter what a wealthy,
respected person does, it doesn't seem odd."
Despite appearing weak and defenseless against the man on the outside, the girl
inherently holds a superior position even before such a powerful man. The man is
portrayed as a base individual who did "favors" for the girl's family merely to please her,
ultimately failing to achieve his goal:
"The house gifted to your mother on behalf of the office, the country house, your
brother's university admission, everything
–
all of it was just because I... because I love
you..."
–
the man fell silent. His gaze softened. "And you... You are completely indifferent,"
he said in a suddenly changed, soft, and gentle voice.
The writer unconsciously places the girl's character in a higher position compared
to other male characters, which is visible in the descriptions. He associates all positive
imagery with the girl, while the men are depicted negatively. The girl is described as
"beautiful, young, proud, delicate, and brave." The man, on the other hand, is portrayed
with stylistic colors such as "aging" and "a creature that changes its color every minute."
When the author compares the girl to the man, it is said that the man is a creature not
even worthy of the girl's fingernail. This portrays the girl as even more magnificent, not
just as a lowly, weak being, but as a force to be reckoned with.
The above analysis shows that in this short story, the image of the girl is not a
weak person oppressed and controlled by men in society. On the contrary, she is a strong
character who does not want to surrender and uses all available opportunities to survive.
In the following parts of the story, it can be seen that at the end, the conflict
between the characters concludes with the girl's complete victory:
The girl: "If you don't let me out of here right now, I'll take you to court no matter
what happens!"
The man: "In these few seconds, his whole life flashed before his eyes like a film
reel. These reels reflected his glorious life, full of triumphs. And his current situation
seemed like the prelude to an utterly miserable and ominous failure. Not only was
bearing such helplessness unbearable, but even feeling it was terrifying for a man. He
wasn't accustomed to this."
Girl: "The girl's hands are trembling. With these trembling hands, she grasped the
knife with both hands and raised it high. But she didn't have time to aim. Suddenly, the
man with terribly bulging eyes collapsed with a thud..."
Man: "He didn't faint from intense fear of death. No, and once again no! He... seeing
the boundless hatred in the eyes of the girl holding the knife and the ruthlessness capable
of this act, he had fallen without even realizing it."
Conclusion. In conclusion, the deconstructive approach aims to reveal that the text
does not have a single, fixed meaning. It is based on the idea that language cannot express
a single stable meaning, thereby questioning concepts accepted as absolute.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
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Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
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5 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
466
Through this brief story analysis, we attempted to explain how Derrida's concept
of meaning variability and Cixous's idea of changing the polarity of binary oppositions
work in literary analysis.
A deconstructive analysis of this story reveals that the author has inadvertently
given a different dimension to the girl's character. She is not as weak and submissive as
she may appear on the surface. The girl consistently challenges the restrictions imposed
on her by society and ultimately survives by any means necessary.
According to the results of the deconstructive analysis, the story "Two
Destinations" subverts the power dynamics of our traditional Uzbek society, where men
are typically the dominant force and women are subordinate.
The girl's character possesses a certain dominance; she can exert full control over
all the men close to her, while the men are portrayed as somewhat weak and pitiful.
Zulfiya Qurolboy qizi has also elevated the girl's character above the men through her
positive character description.
REFERENCES:
1.
Derrida, J. (1979). “Living on border lines.” Deconstruction and criticism. Ed.
Harold Bloom, et al. New York: Seabury Press. 83-84.
2.
Culler, J. (2007). On Deconstruction: Theory and Criticism after Structuralism.
London: Cornell University Press, 307 pp.
3.
Barthes, R., Miller, R., & Howard, R. (1975). The pleasure of the text. New York:
Hill and Wang. Bauman, Z. (1992). Intimations of Postmodernity. New York: Routledge
Publishing, pp 150-172.
4.
Bertens, H. (2003). Literary theory: the basics. London and New York:
Routledge; Taylor & Francis Group.
5.
Beauvoir S.de. (1997). The Second Sex (Vintage Classics ed.). (Parshley HM,
Trans.) Vintage Classics.
6.
Tyson, L. (2006). Critical theory today: A user-friendly guide (2nd ed.). New
York: Routledge.
Vincent, L. B. (1983). “Extension of subversion.” In deconstructive
criticism: An advanced introduction. New York: Columbia University Press.
7.
Berry, P. (2002). Beginning theory: An introduction to literary and cultural
theory. Manchester: University Press.
8.
Cixous, Hélène. (2001). “The Laugh of the Medusa.” The Norton Anthology of
Theory and Criticism. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
9.
Mary Poovey. Vol. 14, No. 1 (Spring, 1988), pp. 51-65 (15 pages). Published By:
Feminist Studies, Inc.
10.
Зулфия Қуролбой қизи. Икки манзил (ҳикоя) —
ziyouz.uz
https://ziyouz.uz/ozbek-nasri/zulfiya-qurolboy-qizi/zulfiya-qurolboy-qizi-ikki-manzil-
hikoya/
