50 pages • 1 hour read
Jacques DerridaOf Grammatology
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1967A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Of Grammatology, Derrida employs deconstruction to challenge the binary privileging of speech over writing, arguing that these binaries depend on each other and are fragile. He critiques the ethnocentric perspectives of philosophers like Rousseau and Lévi-Strauss, demonstrating that culture and nature, speech and writing, are interdependent rather than opposing. This work reveals the instability of meaning and the biases in traditional metaphysics.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jacques Derrida's Of Grammatology receives acclaim for its profound impact on literary theory, deconstruction, and philosophy. It is praised for challenging traditional concepts of language and meaning. Some critics find it dense and impenetrable, making it a challenging read for those unfamiliar with Derrida's terminology and thought processes.
Who Should Read Of Grammatology?
A reader who enjoys Of Grammatology by Jacques Derrida is likely an academic or student interested in philosophy, literary theory, and deconstruction. They might also appreciate works like Foucault's The Order of Things or Barthes' S/Z. This reader enjoys deep theoretical discussions and complex analyses of language and meaning.