In his introduction to Fantasia of the unconscious and psychoanalysis and the unconscious, Lawrence acknowledges that many heterogeneous influences – Eastern philosophies, religions, and mysticisms – have given shape to his intuitive insights and determined his worldview. To peruse the discourse that underlies this vision, it is interesting to submit Lawrence's rhetoric, as it appears in his non-fictional writings (essays, criticisms, theories, etc.), to a 'structuralist poetic' scrutiny and expose the intrinsic mechanics of his discourse to a deeper ‘post-structuralist’, de-consrtructivist reading. For Jonathan Culler, no matter the positioning of the reader, it is almost always inescapable for him or her not to grapple with a close reading of the text: “Whatever critical affiliations we may proclaim, we are all New Critics, in that it requires a strenuous effort to escape notions of the autonomy of the literary work, the importance of demonstrating its unity, and the requirement of ‘close reading’”.
Table of Contents
- D. H. Lawrence's Manichean Discourse or Janus-like Vision: Dualism vs. Holism
- Introduction
- Lawrence's Manichean Discourse
- Sample Analysis Based on a Selection of 3 Quotations
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to analyze D.H. Lawrence's discourse, specifically focusing on the apparent Manichean structure and its paradoxical relation to a holistic worldview. The analysis utilizes structuralist and post-structuralist literary criticism to explore the underlying mechanics of Lawrence's rhetoric.
- The Manichean nature of Lawrence's discourse, characterized by recurring polarities.
- The inherent paradoxes and complexities within Lawrence's seemingly simplistic dualisms.
- Lawrence's concept of a "third thing" or "holistic truth" that reconciles opposing forces.
- The role of semes, classemes, and isotopies in structuring Lawrence's writing.
- An examination of Lawrence's use of metaphor and metonymy to express his worldview.
Chapter Summaries
D. H. Lawrence's Manichean Discourse or Janus-like Vision: Dualism vs. Holism: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by introducing the central argument: that despite an apparent Manichean structure in Lawrence's writing, characterized by binary oppositions like life/death, there exists an underlying holistic vision. It previews the methodology, which will involve a structuralist and post-structuralist reading of Lawrence's non-fictional works, employing concepts from Saussure, Jakobson, Greimas, Barthes, and Culler. The chapter establishes the importance of understanding the interplay between these opposing forces to grasp Lawrence's complete worldview. It also hints at the complexities and potential controversies arising from a seemingly simplistic Manichean interpretation. The author aims to demonstrate that beyond the surface-level dualisms, Lawrence suggests a unifying "holistic truth" that transcends the binary oppositions.
Lawrence's Manichean Discourse: This chapter delves into the core of Lawrence's writing style, identifying recurring polarities such as life/death, male/female, light/darkness, and mental/blood consciousness. It argues that while Lawrence's discourse appears Manichean, it’s fraught with paradoxes. The author introduces the concept of a "third thing" or "holistic truth" which reconciles these oppositions. This unifying force represents an "organic whole" or "essence" that integrates the dualisms of reality, suggesting a more nuanced and complex perspective than a simple Manichean framework would allow. The chapter lays the groundwork for a deeper semiotic analysis in subsequent sections, highlighting the importance of understanding the interplay between these opposing forces to fully appreciate Lawrence's vision.
Sample Analysis Based on a Selection of 3 Quotations: This chapter presents a close reading of Lawrence's "Reflections on the Death of a Porcupine," analyzing how the author's experience of killing a porcupine becomes a vehicle for exploring his broader philosophical views on life and death. The analysis focuses on identifying specific semes, classemes, and isotopies that contribute to the overall meaning. It examines how Lawrence uses this event to expound on the "inexorable law of life" and the concept of "survival of the fittest," illustrating the tension between opposing forces and his attempts to reconcile them within a larger framework of understanding. By focusing on a specific text, this chapter exemplifies the theoretical framework laid out in previous chapters.
Keywords
D.H. Lawrence, Manichean discourse, dualism, holism, structuralism, post-structuralism, semiotics, isotopies, semes, classemes, life, death, polarities, paradox, "third thing," holistic truth, organic whole.
D. H. Lawrence's Manichean Discourse or Janus-like Vision: Dualism vs. Holism - FAQ
What is the main objective of this paper?
The paper analyzes D.H. Lawrence's discourse, focusing on its seemingly Manichean structure and its paradoxical relationship with a holistic worldview. It uses structuralist and post-structuralist literary criticism to explore the underlying mechanics of Lawrence's rhetoric.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include the Manichean nature of Lawrence's discourse (recurring polarities); the paradoxes and complexities within these dualisms; Lawrence's concept of a "third thing" or "holistic truth" reconciling opposing forces; the role of semes, classemes, and isotopies in structuring Lawrence's writing; and an examination of his use of metaphor and metonymy.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into chapters covering: an introduction establishing the central argument and methodology; a chapter detailing Lawrence's Manichean discourse and its inherent paradoxes; and a chapter providing a sample analysis of Lawrence's work using specific quotations, focusing on semes, classemes, and isotopies.
What methodology is used in this analysis?
The analysis employs structuralist and post-structuralist literary criticism, drawing on concepts from Saussure, Jakobson, Greimas, Barthes, and Culler. It involves a close reading of Lawrence's non-fictional works to identify recurring polarities and their reconciliation within a holistic framework.
What is meant by "Manichean discourse" in the context of this paper?
In this context, "Manichean discourse" refers to Lawrence's use of recurring binary oppositions (like life/death, male/female) in his writing. However, the paper argues that this apparent simplicity belies a more complex, holistic worldview.
What is the significance of the "third thing" or "holistic truth"?
The "third thing" or "holistic truth" represents a unifying force in Lawrence's writing that transcends the binary oppositions. It suggests an "organic whole" or "essence" that integrates the dualisms, offering a more nuanced perspective than a purely Manichean interpretation would allow.
How is semiotic analysis used in the paper?
Semiotic analysis is used to examine the underlying structure of Lawrence's writing, focusing on semes (smallest units of meaning), classemes (groups of semes), and isotopies (recurring semantic patterns) to understand how these contribute to the overall meaning.
What is the purpose of the sample analysis chapter?
The sample analysis chapter provides a practical demonstration of the theoretical framework. It uses a close reading of a specific text ("Reflections on the Death of a Porcupine") to illustrate how the concepts of semes, classemes, and isotopies can be applied to analyze Lawrence's work and his underlying philosophical views.
What are the key keywords associated with this paper?
Key keywords include: D.H. Lawrence, Manichean discourse, dualism, holism, structuralism, post-structuralism, semiotics, isotopies, semes, classemes, life, death, polarities, paradox, "third thing," holistic truth, organic whole.
- Quote paper
- Mansour Khelifa (Author), 2015, D. H. Lawrence's Manichean Discourse or Janus-like Vision: Dualism vs. Holism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/293324
