Structuralists seek a system of codes they believe to convey the meaning. For them what really matters is how a text convenes meaning rather than what meaning is conveyed. This is the center of the structuralists’ methodology. For example, we usually assume that white color refers to purity, innocence or peace, but a Structuralist would question what is the sign system or the code that allows readers to interpret white color as “purity’ or ‘innocence’. In short, a structuralist has to find out how language works to convey the meaning. This takes place by explaining the relations among various components of the language.
Todorov follows the same strategy; he states that the purpose of his approach “is not to articulate a paraphrase but a theory of the structure and operation of the literary discourse.” 2100.
Furthermore, when Todorov analyzes the plot of Decameron tales, he resorts to the stylistics of the text to figure out the stream of the dramatic action: he examines the minimal schema of the plot, analyzes the narrative clause, showing the verbs that refer to actions, categorizes modality…….etc.
Through these items, Todorov tries to discover how language functions to convey the meaning. This is the essence of structuralism..
Todorov follows the same strategy; he states that the purpose of his approach “is not to articulate a paraphrase but a theory of the structure and operation of the literary discourse.” 2100.
Furthermore, when Todorov analyzes the plot of Decameron tales, he resorts to the stylistics of the text to figure out the stream of the dramatic action: he examines the minimal schema of the plot, analyzes the narrative clause, showing the verbs that refer to actions, categorizes modality…….etc.
Through these items, Todorov tries to discover how language functions to convey the meaning. This is the essence of structuralism..
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