A critical study of specific exploded violent hierarchies in five novels by Toni Morrison
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Date
2000-01
Authors
Strauss, Helene Johanna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
In a study of Toni Morrison's fiction it is appropriate to consider some of the relevant
philosophical insights of Jacques Derrida, particularly Derrida's theory of deconstruction
and the way in which it facilitates the explosion of violent hierarchies.
Firstly, a general overview of relevant Derridean terminology is given. In his work, Derrida
exposes many classical philosophical oppositions in which one pole of the opposition
dominates the other. In fact, he questions the very nature of a Western reason which causes
difference to be viewed as opposition. He uses the phrase 'violent hierarchy' to show that
there is no peaceful co-existence of terms within oppositions but that one term traditionally
has the upper hand. Derrida also demonstrates that these hierarchical structures of dominance
and oppression not only manifest themselves in language but are also promoted by
logocentric language. By insisting on the play of différance in language, Derrida offers a
way in which these violent hierarchies can be exploded. The term 'explode' is similar (yet
not identical to) the Derridean term deconstruction. However, instead of deconstructing
Morrison's texts, the aim of this study is to lay bare Morrison' s treatment of the tensions
inherent in specific hierarchical structures of dominance. To explode the chosen violent
hierarchies is to expose the contradictions and ironies in certain hierarchic structures which
manifest themselves and are reflected in language, whereas deconstruction itself is a
complex reading strategy that Derrida uses when revealing discrepancies within certain
classical philosophical texts. The term 'explode' is thus a more accurate description of
what is aimed at in this research.
Next, the study entails an assessment of exploded gender, class and racial hierarchies in
five novels by Toni Morrison. In The Bluest Eye and Sula, Morrison's explosions of the
male/female violent hierarchy are evaluated, while violent class hierarchies are addressed
in Song of Solomon. Finally, the way in which Morrison explodes racial and colourist
hierarchies in Beloved and Paradise is researched. By opening up language to the play of
différance and consequently undermining traditional metaphysical binary reason Morrison,
like Derrida, encourages the perpetual explosion of these violent hierarchies in both
literature and society at large.
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Keywords
Morrison, Toni -- Criticism and interpretation, African American women in literature, African Americans in literature, Dissertation (M.A. (English))--University of the Free State, 2000